High-Protein Southwest Chicken Salad
A colorful Southwest-style salad packed with spiced grilled chicken, black beans, corn, crisp veggies, and a creamy yogurt-lime dressing. High in protein, fiber, and flavor—no heavy sauces needed.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients
Southwest Chicken
2 chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & black pepper
Salad Base
3 cups romaine or mixed greens
½ cup cooked black beans (rinsed)
½ cup sweet corn (fresh or canned)
½ red bell pepper, sliced
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
½ avocado, sliced
High-Protein Creamy Dressing
½ cup Greek yogurt
Juice of ½ lime
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper
Optional: 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
Optional Toppings
Pumpkin seeds or crushed tortilla chips
Fresh cilantro
Instructions
Step 1: Cook Chicken
Mix olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Coat chicken well.
Grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.
Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
Step 2: Prepare Dressing
Whisk Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cilantro until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble Salad
Add greens to a large bowl.
Top with black beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, and avocado.
Add sliced chicken.
Drizzle dressing on top.
Sprinkle optional toppings.
Tips
For extra protein, add boiled eggs or quinoa.
Roast corn lightly for smoky flavor.
Make it low-carb by skipping corn and beans.
Dressing stays fresh 3 days refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this good for weight loss?
Yes—high protein + fiber keeps hunger away.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
Yes—store chicken, salad, and dressing separately.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—use dairy-free yogurt or avocado-lime dressing.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~450 kcal
Protein: 42 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 9 g