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–+ servings
Southwest Chicken Salad

Southwest Chicken Salad

Delicious Southwest Chicken Salad packed with bold flavors, perfect for meal prep.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marinade Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southwestern
Servings 4 servings
Calories 518 kcal

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • food processor
  • large skillet

Ingredients
  

For The Chicken & Marinade

  • 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts approximately 6 ounces each
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 2 units limes juiced and zested
  • 0.25 cups chopped cilantro leaves
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

For The Salad

  • 4 cups romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cups black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 cups corn rinsed and drained
  • 0.33 cups red onion thinly sliced

Avocado Dressing

  • 0.5 large avocado
  • 0.25 cups olive oil
  • 0.25 cups water or more for thinner consistency
  • 0.25 cups cilantro, basil or parsley leaves
  • 1 unit lime juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Marinade and Cooking

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together two tablespoons of olive oil, with the lime juice, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  • Combine the marinade and chicken fillets in a shallow dish or plastic bag. Marinate the chicken for 2-6 hours in the fridge.
  • When the chicken is done marinating, make the avocado dressing. Place all the dressing ingredients in a food processor and blend until creamy. Set aside.
  • Heat the remaining one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and has reached an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let the cooked chicken rest for a couple of minutes. Then slice into strips.
  • In a large salad bowl, layer the chopped lettuce with beans, corn, tomatoes, and chicken strips. Drizzle the avocado dressing on top.

Notes

All the ingredients can be stored for up to 5 days in the fridge. Reheat chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes before assembling the rest of the salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1saladCalories: 518kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 31gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 441mgPotassium: 1063mgFiber: 9gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 4539IUVitamin C: 33mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Chicken Salad, healthy meals, meal prep, salad, Southwest Chicken Salad
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