Spicy Southwest Salad

Spicy Southwest Salad is a bold, colorful dish packed with flavor and texture. It combines crisp lettuce, spicy grilled chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla strips, all tossed in a zesty chipotle or lime dressing. This salad is satisfying enough to serve as a main course and delivers the perfect balance of heat, freshness, and heartiness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A complete, filling meal in one bowl
• Loaded with vibrant veggies and Southwest flavors
• Easily customizable to your heat and ingredient preferences
• Great for meal prep or quick lunches
• Naturally gluten-free and high in protein and fiber

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Romaine or mixed greens
• Grilled chicken (seasoned with chili powder, cumin, paprika)
• Black beans (rinsed and drained)
• Corn (fresh, canned, or grilled)
• Cherry tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes
• Red onion
• Avocado
• Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
• Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Chipotle ranch or creamy Southwest dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Directions

this recipe

1. Season chicken with a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-cook until fully cooked, then slice.
2. In a large salad bowl, add chopped romaine or mixed greens as the base.
3. Top with black beans, corn, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, sliced avocado, and shredded cheese.
4. Add the cooked chicken slices and sprinkle with tortilla strips.
5. Drizzle with chipotle ranch or Southwest dressing and toss to combine, or serve dressing on the side.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use shrimp or steak instead of chicken
• Add roasted red peppers or jalapeños for extra kick
• Swap cheese for a dairy-free version
• Use Greek yogurt-based dressing for a lighter option
• Serve in a tortilla bowl for a fun presentation

storage/reheating

Store components separately for best results. Keep greens, toppings, and dressing in individual containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To enjoy again, reheat the chicken briefly in the microwave or in a skillet, then assemble the salad fresh.

FAQs

How do I make it spicier?

Add jalapeños, extra chipotle in the dressing, or a dash of hot sauce.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, it’s a great time-saver. Add Southwest seasoning to give it that extra flavor.

What kind of dressing works best?

Chipotle ranch, creamy lime dressing, or avocado cilantro dressing are all great choices.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but store wet ingredients and dressing separately to keep everything crisp.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, just make sure your tortilla strips and dressing are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Omit the chicken and add extra beans or grilled tofu.

What other greens can I use?

Spinach, kale, or a spring mix work well if you don’t have romaine.

How do I keep avocado from browning?

Toss it in lime juice or add it just before serving.

Can I grill the corn?

Yes, grilled corn adds a smoky, charred flavor that pairs perfectly with the salad.

What toppings can I add for crunch?

Tortilla strips, pumpkin seeds, or crispy chickpeas make great crunchy toppings.

Conclusion

Spicy Southwest Salad is a bold, satisfying salad that brings together smoky grilled chicken, crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and crunchy toppings in every bite. It’s packed with nutrition and flavor, easy to customize, and perfect for any day you’re craving a fresh and fiery meal. This is one salad that will never feel like a compromise.

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