Description

Spicy Southwest Salad is a colorful and satisfying dish that beautifully combines fresh ingredients with bold flavors. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or as a side at gatherings, this salad features tender grilled chicken marinated in zesty spices, crunchy vegetables, creamy avocado, and a kick of spicy ranch dressing. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or entertaining guests, this vibrant salad is sure to impress and delight. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with your favorite sides for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lime (juiced and zested)
2 chicken breasts
½ cup ranch dressing
2 avocados (sliced)
1 head green leaf lettuce (chopped)
1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
2 tomatoes (diced)
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 cup corn
Tortilla strips for topping

Instructions

Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, honey, and avocado oil. Add chicken breasts and coat well. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
Cook the chicken: Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Cook marinated chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let cool and slice.
Prepare the dressing: Combine ranch dressing with hot sauce in a small bowl.
Assemble the salad: Layer chopped lettuce in a bowl and top with sliced chicken, diced tomatoes, black beans, bell pepper, avocado slices, corn, and tortilla strips. Drizzle with spicy ranch dressing.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Southwestern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 salad bowl (about 300g)
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 12g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh. Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences.