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High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad with grilled chicken and veggies

High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad: Easy, Healthy, Delicious

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  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Southwest

Description

This salad combines tender grilled chicken with fresh veggies and a zesty yogurt dressing, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s bursting with bold flavors.


Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, arugula, or a mix)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1⁄4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1⁄4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1⁄2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1⁄4 cup tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
  • For the Dressing:
  • 1⁄4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder or chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat.

2. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper.

3. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Set aside to cool slightly, then slice thinly.

4. In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and cheddar cheese.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, chipotle powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

6. Add the sliced chicken to the salad and drizzle with the prepared dressing. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.

7. Garnish the salad with tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.

8. Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, protein-packed salad.


Notes

For additional protein, consider adding a hard-boiled egg or some grilled shrimp.

This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days if the dressing is kept separate.

Feel free to adjust the level of spice in the dressing according to your preference.

This salad is versatile; you can add different veggies or substitute the chicken with your preferred protein source like tofu or beef.

For a dairy-free version, replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative.