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Spicy Southwest Salad

Zesty Spicy Southwest Salad That Will Brighten Your Dinner

This Spicy Southwest Salad is a flavorful mix of grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and zesty ranch dressing, perfect for light and healthy meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Marinating Time 24 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breasts Substitute with tofu for vegetarian version.
  • 1 lime Lime (juiced and zested) Substitute lemon if necessary.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be used for a stronger flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Omit or reduce if not preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder Use smoked paprika for a milder flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to personal taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Maple syrup can be used for a vegan option.
  • 2 tablespoons Avocado Oil Olive oil is an acceptable substitute.
For the Salad Base
  • 4 cups Green Leaf Lettuce Romaine can be a sturdy substitute.
  • 2 medium Tomatoes Any salad-friendly tomato will work.
  • 1 can Black Beans Lentils can be swapped for a different legume option.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Any color pepper may be used.
  • 1 medium Avocado Omit for a lower-fat version.
  • 1 cup Corn Frozen corn can be thawed and used.
  • 1 small Red Onion Shallots can be a milder substitute.
For the Dressing and Toppings
  • 1 cup Ranch Dressing Use vegan ranch for a dairy-free version.
  • to taste Hot Sauce Adjust based on desired heat level.
  • 1 cup Tortilla Strips Crushed tortilla chips can be used as an alternative.
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Omit for a cilantro-free option.
  • 2 pieces Lime Wedges Squeeze over salad for an extra citrus boost.

Equipment

  • Grill Pan
  • Large Bowl or Zip-top Bag
  • small bowl

Method
 

Marinating and Cooking
  1. In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine lime juice, zest, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, honey, and avocado oil, mixing until smooth. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated in the marinade. Refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours.
  2. Heat a grill pan over medium heat and lightly oil the surface. Place the marinated chicken in the pan and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Let it rest before slicing.
Salad Assembly
  1. In serving bowls, divide the green leaf lettuce as the base. Top with sliced grilled chicken, diced tomatoes, black beans, chopped red bell pepper, avocado, corn, and red onion. Add tortilla strips on top.
  2. Drizzle ranch dressing over the salad and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 20mg

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours for deeper flavor. Store components separately if meal prepping to maintain freshness.

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