Looking for a delightful lunch or dinner option that’s bursting with flavor and takes minimal time to prepare? This Spicy Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad is your answer!
This vibrant salad combines the zesty tastes of Southwest cuisine with the freshness of ripe avocado and crunchy tortilla strips. With tender grilled chicken as the star, the mix of juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp romaine, and hearty black beans creates a dish that’s not only colorful but also satisfying. Every bite offers a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and crunch, making it a dish you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
There are plenty of reasons to whip up this filling salad:
- Quick to Prepare: It’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Meal Prep Ready: Make a big batch at the beginning of the week for easy lunches.
- Uses Fresh Ingredients: Packed with healthy veggies and lean protein, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Benefit 1: Ready in 30 minutes
- Benefit 2: Made with pantry staples
- Benefit 3: Perfect for weekly meal prep
- Benefit 4: Naturally gluten-free
Ingredients for Spicy Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad
- 2 Grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 6 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup Corn kernels (canned or fresh)
- 1 Avocado, diced
- 1 cup Black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup Tortilla strips
- 1/2 cup Spicy ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions of Spicy Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad
- Grill the chicken breasts until they’re fully cooked and have a nice char.
- Chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large salad bowl.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, diced avocado, and rinsed black beans on top of the lettuce.
- Slice the grilled chicken and arrange it over the salad mixture.
- Drizzle the spicy ranch dressing evenly over the salad.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with tortilla strips for extra crunch before serving.
Tips for Success
- Customize the spice level: Adjust the amount of spicy ranch dressing to suit your taste.
- Use ripe avocados: They should be soft but not mushy for the best texture.
- Mix and match veggies: Add in or swap out any vegetables you love!
Substitutions & Variations of Spicy Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: Use grilled tofu or a plant-based protein instead of chicken and ensure your salad dressing is gluten-free.
Variations: Try adding some diced bell peppers for added crunch or sprinkle with feta cheese for an extra flavor kick!
Storage Instructions of Spicy Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad
Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Grab and go for a quick weekday meal!
Freezer: This salad does not freeze well due to the avocado, but you can freeze grilled chicken separately.
Make-Ahead: Chop all the vegetables a day ahead to save time. Just toss everything together right before serving!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Spicy Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad
Can I use canned chicken instead of grilled chicken?
Yes, canned chicken works in a pinch! Just drain it well and add it directly to the salad.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it’s best to prep everything ahead but wait to add the dressing and tortilla strips until just before serving to maintain freshness.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge and can change your fridge game with delicious lunches all week long.
Final Toughts
Imagine enjoying a bowl of Spicy Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad, where every bite is loaded with flavor and freshness. It’s the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings while keeping your meals exciting and nutritious. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to drop a comment and leave a star rating!
Print
Spicy Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad
A vibrant salad combining zesty Southwest flavors with tender grilled chicken and fresh ingredients, ready in under 30 minutes.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 Grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 6 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup Corn kernels (canned or fresh)
- 1 Avocado, diced
- 1 cup Black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup Tortilla strips
- 1/2 cup Spicy ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grill the chicken breasts until they’re fully cooked and have a nice char.
- Chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large salad bowl.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, diced avocado, and rinsed black beans on top of the lettuce.
- Slice the grilled chicken and arrange it over the salad mixture.
- Drizzle the spicy ranch dressing evenly over the salad.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with tortilla strips for extra crunch before serving.
Notes
Customize the spice level by adjusting the dressing quantity and ensure avocados are ripe for the best texture. This salad is perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southwest
- Diet: Gluten-Free, High-Protein