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Colorful Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad Bowl with grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and vibrant dressing served in a bowl

Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad Bowl: Easy & Flavorful

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Discover the vibrant and nutritious Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad Bowl, a flavorful meal that combines tender grilled chicken with fresh vegetables, spicy seasonings, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for quick lunches or satisfying dinners, this easy recipe delivers bold Southwest flavors in every bite.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • For the dressing:
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and juices run clear. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
  3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, sliced avocado, red onion, and cheese if using.
  4. Top the salad with sliced grilled chicken.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  6. Drizzle the zesty dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine before serving.

Notes

  • Feel free to add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
  • Use fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.
  • Keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain salad crispness.
  • You can substitute the cheese with crumbled queso fresco for variety.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling, Tossing
  • Cuisine: Southwestern
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg