Spicy Southwest Salad That'll Wow Your Taste Buds!

This Spicy Southwest Salad is vibrant, quick to prepare, and customizable for any diet. Perfect for busy nights!

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Southwestern

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 pound Chicken Breast ensure it is fresh for optimal flavor and moisture
1 tablespoon Chili Powder adds a smoky, spicy kick; adjust based on your heat preference
1 teaspoon Cumin enhances the savory profile; a little goes a long way
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder provides robust flavor; try fresh garlic for extra punch
1 teaspoon Paprika adds sweetness and color; smoked paprika brings deeper essence
1 teaspoon Salt essential for seasoning; always taste as you go
1 teaspoon Pepper essential for seasoning; always taste as you go
2 tablespoons Olive Oil for cooking the chicken; can be substituted with avocado oil

For the Salad Base

1 head Romaine Lettuce provides a crunchy base; spinach or kale are alternatives
1 can Black Beans adds fiber and protein; rinse to reduce sodium
1 cup Corn offers sweetness and texture; frozen corn is a convenient substitute
1 cup Cheese (e.g., Cheddar or Cotija) brings creaminess; optional for dairy-free diets
1 cup Tomatoes offers juiciness; substitute with diced bell peppers if desired

For the Crunch

1 cup Tortilla Strips adds crunch; can be swapped with crushed tortilla chips or omitted

For the Dressing

1 cup Creamy Salsa Dressing complements the salad with rich flavor; yogurt with taco seasoning as a healthier alternative

Equipment

skillet
Mixing bowl

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken dry, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the mix on chicken, let sit for 5 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in skillet. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest before slicing.
Assemble the Salad Base: In a mixing bowl, layer romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cheese. Toss gently.
Add Chicken and Crunch: Arrange sliced chicken on top of the salad base and sprinkle tortilla strips.
Drizzle the Dressing: Generously drizzle the creamy salsa dressing over the salad and toss gently.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy fresh and vibrant salad with a side of tortilla chips or bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1saladCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 3000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For meal prep, store salad components separately and assemble just before serving for freshness.

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