Name: Southwest Chicken Salad
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon table salt; 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1–1 1/4 pounds chicken tenders (you can also cut chicken breast cut into 3 long vertical strips*); 8 cups mixed greens; 5 oz grape tomatoes (sliced in half); 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend, Monterey cheese, cheddar cheese); 1 red bell peppers (thinly sliced); 1/2 cup corn; 1/2 cup black beans; 2 smashed avocado; 1 pound Southwest Chicken; Dressing of choice (lime-cilantro, avocado, or chipotle recommended)

Jump to Recipe

This Southwest Chicken Salad is ready in just 30 minutes. It features homemade spicy Southwest chicken and crisp, fresh veggies.

Save This For Later

Enter your email & we'll send you a link to the post. Plus, you’ll get new recipes from us every week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick – It’s ready in 30 minutes.
Customizable – Choose your favorite dressing, and add or swap ingredients to make it your own.
Balanced & Filling – With protein, fiber, and lots of veggies, it’s a lunch or dinner you can feel good about.

If you’re looking for more tasty lunch recipes, try this Poblano Corn Chowder or Taco Salad.

Some Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Tenders - This smaller cut of chicken cooks up fast and is just the right size for salads and wraps. You can also cut a chicken breast into three long strips.
Southwest Spice Blend - This blend is a bit smoky and spicy, giving the chicken a flavorful kick. If you prefer a milder version, swap the chipotle powder for more chili powder, or use onion powder if you’re out of garlic powder.
Olive Oil - Olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the chicken. You can swap it for any cooking oil or even melted butter.
Mixed Greens - Choose any mixed greens you enjoy! Romaine, baby spinach, or a spring mix all work well for this salad.
Cheese - I like using thickly shredded Mexican blend cheese, but Monterey Jack and cheddar also work.
Corn - You can use frozen, canned, or fresh if it’s in season.
Dressing - I recommend lime-cilantro, avocado, or chipotle dressings for a Southwest twist.

Full ingredient list with quantities in the recipe card below

How to Make Southwest Chicken Salad

Step 1 | Make Southwest Chicken

Mix the olive oil and seasoning in a bowl. Place the chicken tenderloins on a baking sheet. Pour the olive oil mixture over them, tossing until each piece is fully coated. Bake for 15-18 minutes.

Step 2 | Make the Salad

In a large bowl, add lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, bell peppers, corn, black beans, and smashed avocado. Top with sliced chicken and your favorite dressing.

Tip

Avoid overcooking the chicken by using a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches the internal temperature of 165°F.

How to Meal Prep This

Prepare the Ingredients

Season and bake all the chicken, then slice and store in the fridge.
Slice the veggies, storing each in separate containers. Keep avocado with lime juice to prevent browning.
Store black beans and corn together.
Keep mixed greens with a paper towel to stay crisp.

Assemble Each Day

When ready to eat, combine everything in a bowl or container. If you're packing it for work, store the dressing in a separate container.

Dressing Options

Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing – You can buy Chick-fil-A at your grocery store.
Honey Lime Vinaigrette
Creamy Salsa – Another Chick-fil-A dressing you can pick up from the grocery store.

Have you tried this recipe yet? I'd love to know how it turned out! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below or tag @MeganVsKitchen on social.

Southwest Chicken Salad