Southwest Chicken Salad
Crisp romaine loaded with charred corn, black beans, avocado, and spiced chicken, all pulled together by a tangy cilantro-lime dressing.
- Course
- Sides & Salads
- Cuisine
- American
- Prep Time
- 20 min
- Cook Time
- 30 min
- Total Time
- 50 min

Recipe Card
Southwest Chicken Salad
★ 4.7 · By Marguerite Hale
- Course
- Sides & Salads
- Cuisine
- American
- Prep Time
- 20 min
- Cook Time
- 30 min
- Total Time
- 50 min
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, seasoned with chili powder and cumin
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 can black beans, rinsed
- 1 large romaine heart, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cilantro-lime dressing
- Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- 1
Sear the seasoned chicken in a hot skillet until cooked through, then rest it for five minutes before slicing across the grain.
- 2
Char the corn in the same pan without stirring much, so it picks up dark spots and a little smoke.
- 3
Pile the romaine into a wide bowl and arrange the beans, tomatoes, onion, corn, and avocado in sections over the top.
- 4
Fan the sliced chicken across the middle and pour the dressing over everything just before serving.
- 5
Toss at the table and finish with crushed tortilla chips so they stay crisp instead of going soft in the bowl.
Nutrition
Estimated per serving (4 servings per recipe).
Tip: Any tips before I start?
Read the method through once and get everything measured before you turn on the heat — it is the single change that makes home cooking calmer.
Variation Ideas
- Adjust the seasoning and herbs to what is in season.
How long will this last?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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