What is in a Southwest chicken salad?

A traditional southwest chicken salad recipe includes grilled chicken, romaine or mixed greens, black beans, roasted corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, shredded cheese, and tortilla strips. It’s typically served with a creamy dressing like chipotle ranch or avocado-lime. The flavors are smoky, zesty, and fresh perfect for a balanced meal.

What is in Panera Southwest chicken salad?

Panera’s version features field greens, grilled chicken, black bean and corn salsa, grape tomatoes, tortilla strips, and a bold chipotle ranch dressing. Some versions also include shredded cheddar cheese and cilantro for an extra pop of flavor. You can easily replicate this style using Lisa’s southwest chicken salad recipe as a base.

What is in a Chick-fil-A southwest salad?

Chick-fil-A’s Southwest Salad includes spicy grilled chicken, mixed greens, grape tomatoes, roasted corn, black beans, shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, and tortilla strips. It’s served with creamy salsa dressing and a packet of pepitas. Lisa’s version of this southwest chicken salad recipe offers a homemade twist on these same bold flavors.

What are the spices in Southwest chicken?

Spices used in Southwest chicken typically include chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Sometimes cayenne pepper or chipotle powder is added for heat. These bold seasonings are key to giving a southwest chicken salad recipe its signature smoky, savory taste.

Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe: The Ultimate Flavor-Packed Guide

Description

A bold and easy southwest chicken salad recipe packed with grilled chicken, black beans, roasted corn, avocado, and creamy chipotle dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup roasted corn (fresh or canned)
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 avocado, sliced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup tortilla strips
½ cup chipotle ranch dressing (or avocado-lime dressing)

Lime wedges for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Season chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and grill until cooked through. Let rest, then slice.
In a large bowl, layer romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and tortilla strips.
Top with sliced grilled chicken.
Drizzle with your choice of dressing.

Serve immediately or store ingredients separately for meal prep.

Notes

Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a twist
Add jalapeños for extra heat
Keep dressing separate for longer storage
Use pre-cooked chicken for faster prep

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad, Main Course
Method: Grilling, Assembling
Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American

Keywords: Black beans, cooked chicken breast, greek yogurt, lemon,