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Southwestern Chicken Salad

Southwestern chicken salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines juicy grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for warm evenings or casual gatherings, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes in every bite. Quick to prepare and full of nutrition, it’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Dive into this colorful fiesta in a bowl and savor the rich flavors celebrating southwestern cuisine!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; grill for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
  2. While chicken grills, chop bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes; combine in a large mixing bowl with black beans.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  4. Slice grilled chicken into strips; add to the bowl with veggies and beans. Drizzle dressing over everything and toss gently.
  5. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Nutrition

Keywords: For added crunch, top your salad with tortilla strips or avocado slices. You can also substitute grilled shrimp or tofu as the protein source to suit dietary preferences.