This bold and zesty Southwest chicken salad is packed with fresh veggies, seasoned chicken, and a smoky chipotle ranch dressing. It’s hearty enough for a main dish and perfect for anyone craving a Tex-Mex twist on a classic salad.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 cups of romaine lettuce or mixed greens, chopped
- 1 cup of cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder)
- 1/2 cup of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup of corn (grilled or canned)
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup of tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips (for crunch)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
For the Chipotle Ranch Dressing:
- 1/2 cup of ranch dressing
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely minced (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breast with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Grill or pan-sear the chicken until fully cooked, then dice or shred it.
2. Make the Chipotle Ranch Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, minced chipotle pepper, lime juice, and smoked paprika. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, layer the chopped greens, chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, avocado, and red onion.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese and tortilla strips on top for added flavor and texture.
4. Dress and Serve
- Drizzle the chipotle ranch dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine or serve dressing on the side for individual portions.
Tips:
- Make it Spicy: Add jalapeño slices or extra chipotle for a spicier kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add extra beans or grilled tofu.
- Meal Prep: Keep the dressing and salad ingredients separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness.
This Southwest chicken salad is a flavorful, colorful, and satisfying dish that brings the perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and creamy elements to your table!
