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Spicy Southwest Salad Recipe

Spicy Southwest Salad Recipe

5.3 from 6 reviews

This Spicy Southwest Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring marinated grilled chicken, fresh veggies, black beans, and a zesty spicy ranch dressing. Packed with Tex-Mex inspired ingredients, this salad is a perfect blend of spicy, smoky, and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 1 lime, juiced and zested
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 2 chicken breasts

Spicy Ranch Dressing

  • ½ cup ranch dressing
  • 23 tbsp hot sauce of choice (e.g., Chipotle Cholula)

For the Salad

  • 1 head green leaf lettuce, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 avocados, sliced
  • 1 cup corn
  • ½ red onion, sliced
  • ½ cup tortilla strips
  • Cilantro for garnish and lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or gallon-sized zip lock, combine the chicken marinade ingredients. Add the chicken breasts, toss until covered, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
  2. Grill the Chicken: Spray a grill pan with cooking spray, heat on medium, then cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side. Let it cool, then slice into strips.
  3. Prepare the Dressing: Mix the ranch dressing and hot sauce in a bowl until combined.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Combine lettuce, chicken, tomatoes, black beans, bell pepper, avocado, corn, red onion, tortilla strips, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Drizzle with the spicy ranch dressing.
  5. Enjoy: Serve the salad and enjoy the flavors!

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy southwest salad, Tex-Mex salad, grilled chicken salad, spicy ranch dressing