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Southwest Chicken Salad with Cilantro Avocado Dressing

Southwest Chicken Salad is a hearty, healthy salad, filled with robust flavors and topped with a creamy, zesty avocado dressing. This easy Southwest Chicken Salad recipe is gluten-free and perfect for meal prep so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week!
5 from 15 votes
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Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Gluten-Free, Healthy Options
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 423kcal
Author: Capri Lilly

Ingredients

Cilantro Lime Marinade

  • 4 Chicken breasts (approx. 6 oz each)  boneless, skinless
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 2 Limes juiced
  • ¼ cup Fresh cilantro roughly chopped
  • 5 Garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tsp Paprika smoked paprika or regular
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Cumin
  • ¼ tsp Red chili flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Salad

  • 4 cups Packed romaine lettuce or 1 large head of lettuce, chopped
  • 2 cup Arugula
  • 1 8 oz can Black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 8 oz can Corn rinsed and drained
  • ½ Red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 Large avocado diced
  • ¼ cup Cilantro
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, sliced in half optional

Dressing

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the marinade. Add the chicken breast to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. (or overnight if time permits)
  • Add one tablespoon of cooking oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breast for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Place the chicken on a plate and set it aside.
  • Prepare the Avocado Dressing.
  • Assemble the salad. Layer the chopped romaine, arugula, cilantro, black beans, sliced onions, diced avocado, and sweet corn in a large bowl. Slice the chicken into strips and place it on top of the salad.
  • Top the salad with Avocado Dressing (or your favorite dressing) and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 423kcal | Carbohydrates: 29.2g | Protein: 44.4g | Fat: 19.1g | Saturated Fat: 4.3g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 128mg | Potassium: 1226mg | Fiber: 8.1g | Sugar: 3.7g | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 4mg