Southwest chicken salad recipe

Southwest Chicken Salad is an exciting and flavorful recipe that brings all the essences and aromas of the Southwest directly to your dining dinner table. Not only delicious but packed full of healthy ingredients as well, providing every member of your household with nutritious nourishment!

Roast or grill chicken is at the core of this delicious salad recipe, providing just the right balance of protein and flavor. What sets this salad apart are its vibrant fresh veggies: crisp lettuce leaves, juicy tomatoes, sweet corn kernels and creamy avocado all come together for an explosion of flavors in every bite!

For that delicious Southwest taste, we use red onions and black beans paired with an irresistibly spiced dressing that adds just the right touch of heat to this delectable recipe. Not only is the combination delicious; but also makes an impressionful statement when displayed beautifully on your table!

Southwest Chicken Salad’s greatest strength lies in its adaptability: perfect as both an entrée for dinner or as part of lunch service, or served alongside BBQ food as an accompanying side. Prep time is minimal, while you can customize to meet any individual taste – including extra veggies and chicken or trying different dressing combinations – making this salad truly flexible in any environment!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Chicken breasts Two pieces (about 1 lb or approximately 450g)

Olive oil 2 tablespoons

Salt 1 teaspoon

Black pepper 1 teaspoon

1 teaspoon chili powder

Ground cumin 1 teaspoon

Garlic powder 1 teaspoon

Mixed salad greens Mixed salad greens: 4 cups

Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup (halved)

Corn kernels 1 cup (cooked or canned, then drained)

1 cup black beans (cooked or canned then drained and washed)

Red onion 1 small (thinly chopped)

Avocado: 1 large (chopped)

Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup

Tortilla chips: 1 cup (crushed)

Other ingredients to make a variety of dishes:

Bell pepper 1 (chopped and any color)

Jalapeno pepper: 1 (chopped, for spicy taste)

Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup (chopped)

Sour cream 1 Cup (for creamy topping)

Lemon 1 (cut into small pieces to squeeze onto salad)

Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe: Cooking Instructions

Ready the chicken:
Take two chicken breasts.
Dry them off with newspaper towels.
Sprinkle salt as well as pepper, paprika and cumin to both sides.

The pan is heated:
Put a non-stick skillet or cooking pan onto the stove.
Set the heat to medium high.
Add 2 tablespoons olive oil into the pan.

The chicken is fried:

• If the oil is warm and glowing (but still not burning) Add the breasts of chicken to the skillet.
• Allow them to cook for approximately 5 to 7 minutes with no movement for 5-7 minutes, or until the top becomes golden and brown.
• Turn the breasts of chicken with tongs.
• Another 7 to 7 minutes on the opposite side until golden brown and well-cooked.
• Verify that the chicken is cooked through cutting the most thick portion of the bird; the chicken should be clear and not pink.
• Take the chicken out of the skillet and set the chicken on a cutting board for about a minute.
• Slice the chicken
• After you have rested, cut your breasts of chicken into strips or smaller pieces.

Assemble Southwest Chicken Salad.

Prep the salad base.
Utilize a large bowl for this step.
Include 4 cups of chopped Romaine lettuce.
Add 1 cup of baby spinach into your meal.

Integrate beans, vegetables and legumes:
Cut one large tomato into halves and place in the bowl.
Take out and clean one can of beans before including it with the rest.
Introduce one cup of kernels of corn (canned, frozen or fresh).
Chop one red bell pepper into smaller chunks before adding.
Slice thinly 1 small onion, and combine.
Make sure to add avocado and cheese as ingredients of choice for an authentic Mexican experience.
Add 1 cup of chopped cheddar or crumbled coquina cheese for flavor and variety.
Slice an avocado and mix into your salad dish.

Chicken: Cut up some pieces of raw chicken meat and place on your salad as an additional topping.

Garnishes :
Add zesty flavor with freshly chopped cilantro by scattering freshly minced it over your salad.
Dress it with ranch or chipotle dressing or just mix some olive oil and lime juice together! To finish it all off perfectly.
Stir gently so all ingredients are mixed evenly.

Nutritional Value of Southwest Chicken Salad

Salad with chicken provides an abundance of protein – an essential building block in strengthening muscles and leaving people feeling full after each meal. Plus, its presence helps boost immune systems!

Foods rich in Fiber: Salad vegetables such as tomatoes, lettuce, black beans, corn and even acorn contain fiber which is crucial to good digestion and weight management. Fiber helps your body function more effectively as well as helping manage constipation while supporting weight management efforts. Furthermore, fiber gives a sense of being full throughout the day which may assist your weight-loss efforts.

• Vitamin A present in leafy vegetables as well as tomatoes, can benefit improve the immune system and vision.
• Vitamin C Vitamin C present in both peppers and tomatoes aids in the growth of tissues and repair, and helps keep your immune system in top shape.
• Vitamin K present in leafy veggies aids in the formation of blood clots as well as bone health.

Potassium Avocados as well as tomatoes favor potassium that is vital for heart health and the function of muscles.
Magnesium: The beans in the black provide a great source of magnesium that aids in nerve and muscle function, and helps keep your bones in good shape.
Iron: The iron present in beans that are black is vital to carry oxygen through the blood.

Serving Suggestions

Potassium Avocados as well as tomatoes favor potassium that is vital for heart health and the function of muscles.

Magnesium: The beans in the black provide a great source of magnesium that aids in nerve and muscle function, and helps keep your bones in good shape.

Iron. The iron present in beans that are black is vital to carry oxygen through the blood.

My Journey with Southwest Chicken Salad

I vividly remember my very first attempt at Southwest Chicken Salad. It was on an especially warm afternoon that I hosted a small gathering to honor family and friends, so as a refreshing light meal with lots of flavor I created my delicious Southwest Chicken Salad dish – succulent chicken pieces combined with fresh vegetables and the irresistibly tart dressing were an instantaneous hit with everyone present! Since then I’ve made it part of my regular rotation!

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