Description
This spicy southwest salad is what dreams are made of! Topped with grilled marinated chicken, creamy avocado, and drizzled with a bold spicy ranch dressing, it’s a flavorful and satisfying salad perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lime, juiced and zested
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 chicken breasts
Spicy Ranch Dressing:
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2–3 tbsp hot sauce of choice (e.g. Chipotle Cholula)
For the Salad:
- 1 head green leaf lettuce, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup corn
- ½ red onion, sliced
- ½ cup tortilla strips
- Cilantro for garnish and lime wedges
Instructions
1. In a large bowl or gallon-sized zip lock, combine the chicken marinade ingredients. Add the chicken breasts and toss until coated. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, up to 24 hours.
2. Spray a grill pan with cooking spray and heat on medium. Grill the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until fully cooked. Let cool slightly, then slice into thin strips.
3. In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing and hot sauce until combined to make the spicy ranch dressing. Set aside.
4. Assemble the salads with lettuce, grilled chicken, tomatoes, black beans, red bell pepper, avocado, corn, red onion, and tortilla strips.
5. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. Drizzle with spicy ranch dressing and serve immediately.
Notes
For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
Customize the salad with extra toppings like shredded cheese or pickled jalapeños.
You can use store-bought spicy ranch to save time.
Grill the chicken fresh or prep it ahead for quick assembly during the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: Grilling, Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 529
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 791mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg