As busy moms, you juggle so much every day. Finding meals that are quick, nutritious, and appealing to the whole family can feel overwhelming. The Southwest Chicken Salad is a refreshing solution that fits perfectly into your hectic schedule. It’s simple to make and bursting with vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients that your kids will love.
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Why You Will Love This Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe
This Southwest Chicken Salad is perfect for families. It comes together quickly and requires minimal prep. You can grill the chicken in under 20 minutes, making this recipe a winning choice for a weeknight dinner. The combination of hearty ingredients like black beans and sweet corn ensures that your family feels satisfied. Plus, the chipotle-lime dressing adds a kick that even picky eaters will enjoy.
How to Make the Best Southwest Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- grilled chicken
- black beans
- sweet corn
- romaine lettuce
- avocado
- cherry tomatoes
- chipotle-lime dressing
Directions
- Start by grilling the chicken until it is cooked through and juices run clear. Let it rest before slicing.
- In a large bowl, combine black beans, sweet corn, chopped romaine, diced avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Slice the grilled chicken and add it to the bowl.
- Drizzle with chipotle-lime dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for meal prepping.
Southwest Chicken Salad
A refreshing and nutritious salad that’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy families.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- Grilled chicken
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup sweet corn
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup chipotle-lime dressing
Instructions
- Grill the chicken until cooked through and juices run clear. Let it rest before slicing.
- In a large bowl, combine black beans, sweet corn, chopped romaine, diced avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Slice the grilled chicken and add it to the bowl.
- Drizzle with chipotle-lime dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for meal prepping.
Notes
Customize with chopped bell peppers or shredded cheese. For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with crispy chickpeas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
How to Serve
Serve the salad immediately for a crispy, fresh experience. You can place it on a large platter for family-style dining or individual bowls for each family member. Consider adding whole grain tortillas on the side for extra crunch and fun. This salad also makes a great lunch option the next day; just pack it in a container.
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to three days. If you plan to meal prep, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This will maintain the freshness of the vegetables and avoid sogginess. When reheating, use the microwave sparingly to prevent the salad from becoming overcooked. Instead, enjoy it chilled.
Tips and Variations
You can customize this salad easily. Add chopped bell peppers for extra crunch or toss in some shredded cheese for creaminess. If your family loves a little heat, try adding sliced jalapeños or some diced chili peppers. For a vegetarian twist, substitute grilled chicken with crispy chickpeas.
FAQs
Can I use canned black beans?
Yes, canned black beans work perfectly! Just rinse and drain them before adding them to the salad.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the salad minus the dressing and store it in the refrigerator for a quick meal later in the week.
What should I do with leftover dressing?
Store any extra chipotle-lime dressing in a small container in the fridge. It will keep for about a week and can be used on other salads or as a dip for veggies.
Conclusion
The Southwest Chicken Salad represents the best of busy family meals: it’s nutritious, flavorful, and simple to prepare. You can enjoy it right away or save it for later when time runs short. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to save it for those hectic nights ahead. Happy cooking!
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