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Quick Southwest Chicken Salad with Homemade Chipotle Ranch Dressing

Close-up of a vibrant southwest salad featuring chicken, avocado, corn, black beans, and a creamy orange dressing.
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Make this protein-packed Southwest Chicken Salad for a quick dinner or healthy meal prep. It features grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, smoky chipotle ranch dressing.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup crushed tortilla strips (for topping)
  • For the Chipotle Ranch Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk or milk
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon adobo sauce from canned chipotles (or more for extra spice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side, until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then dice or shred the chicken.
  3. Prepare the dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, lime juice, adobo sauce, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, and cherry tomatoes.
  5. Add the diced chicken and shredded cheese to the lettuce mixture.
  6. If prepping ahead, store the dressing and avocado separately. For immediate serving, gently toss the salad ingredients with most of the dressing.
  7. Top the salad with diced avocado and crushed tortilla strips just before serving.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, confirm your tortilla strips are certified gluten-free or omit them.
  • You can grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it for a different flavor profile.
  • This salad works well for healthy lunch meal prep; keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mdlatdmm.com/southwest-salad-recipe-quick-dinner/