Southwest Chicken Salad Bowl
A zesty, satisfying salad featuring seasoned grilled chicken, crunchy veggies, black beans, sweet corn, and creamy avocado — all tossed in a tangy southwest-style dressing. Great for meal prep or a fresh, flavorful meal.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
Juice of 1/2 lime
For the Salad:
4 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
1 cup canned black beans (drained & rinsed)
1 cup canned or grilled corn (drained or charred)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
1 avocado
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Optional: tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
Optional: shredded cheddar or cotija cheese
For the Southwest Dressing:
1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp chipotle chili powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
Salt to taste
Optional: 1 tbsp milk or water to thin
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
Rub chicken with olive oil, spices, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side or until cooked through.
Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
Prepare the Dressing:
In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, lime juice, spices, and salt. Thin with milk/water if needed.
Assemble the Bowl:
In each bowl, layer greens, black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and avocado.
Add sliced chicken on top.
Drizzle with southwest dressing.
Garnish with cilantro, tortilla strips, and cheese if using.
Notes & Tips
You can substitute rotisserie chicken to save time.
Use store-bought Southwest dressing if in a hurry.
For extra crunch: add pumpkin seeds or crushed nachos.
Make it spicy: add jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Replace chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or extra beans and avocado.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
A: Yes! Store the chicken, dressing, and veggies separately. Combine when ready to serve.
Q: What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
A: Sour cream or mayo work great, or try a vinaigrette instead.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 450
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 26g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 7g