Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad
A bold, fresh, and satisfying salad with juicy grilled chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy (non-spicy) Southwest-style dressing.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 12–15 minutes
Total: ~30 minutes
Servings:2–3
Ingredients
Grilled Chicken
2 chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Lemon or lime juice (for finishing)
Salad Base
3 cups romaine or mixed lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup sweet corn (grilled or boiled)
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed & drained
1 avocado, sliced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley
Creamy Southwest Dressing
¼ cup Greek yogurt
1½ tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
1 tsp honey
½ tsp cumin
¼ tsp garlic powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Grill the Chicken
Brush chicken with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Grill on a pan or grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.
Rest 5 minutes, then slice. Finish with a squeeze of lemon/lime.
2️⃣ Prepare the Dressing
Whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3️⃣ Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, add lettuce, tomatoes, corn, black beans, avocado, onion, and herbs.
4️⃣ Serve
Top with sliced grilled chicken and drizzle with dressing. Toss lightly or serve layered.
Tips
Grill corn for extra smoky flavor.
For extra crunch, add crushed tortilla chips (optional).
Keep dressing on the side for meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it ahead?
Yes—prep ingredients ahead, assemble fresh.
Spicy version?
Add chili powder or jalapeños if you like heat.
Low-carb option?
Skip corn and beans; add more greens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~430 kcal
Protein: ~38 g
Carbs: ~26 g
Fat: ~20 g
Fiber: ~8 g