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A vibrant Southwest Chicken Salad featuring mixed greens, grilled chicken slices, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, and avocado slices, all topped with fresh cilantro and drizzled with a bright lime dressing, presented in a white bowl against a rustic wooden table.

Southwest Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

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Enjoy a vibrant and healthy Southwest Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing, packed with fresh vegetables, flavorful grilled chicken, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or light dinner, this colorful salad is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

For the Cilantro Lime Dressing

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and cumin. Grill, bake, or pan-fry until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice thinly.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, honey, and minced garlic to prepare the cilantro lime dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. In a large salad bowl, combine salad greens, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion, and avocado slices.
  4. Add sliced chicken on top of the salad mixture.
  5. Pour the cilantro lime dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
  6. Garnish with crumbled queso fresco and fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate chicken in lime juice, garlic, and chili powder before cooking.
  • Can be made ahead; keep dressing separate until ready to serve.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for best freshness.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling, Baking, Stir-frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, Healthy

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg