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Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad – Bold, Fresh, and Loaded with Flavor

If you’re craving a salad that’s anything but boring, this Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad is exactly what you need. Packed with juicy seasoned chicken, creamy avocado, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a bold spicy-ranch drizzle, this salad delivers big flavor in every bite while still feeling fresh and nourishing. What makes this salad stand out is the perfect balance of textures and tastes: Smoky, spiced chicken Cool, creamy avocado Crisp lettuce and vegetables A sweet-and-spicy dressing that ties everything together This recipe is ideal for quick lunches, satisfying dinners, or meal prep. If you love Southwest flavors, protein-packed salads, and meals that keep you full and energized, this dish deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Prepare and measure all ingredients before starting.
For the Chicken
  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
Salad Base
  • 1 head green leaf lettuce chopped
  • 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • ½ red onion thinly sliced
  • 2 tomatoes diced
  • 2 avocados sliced
  • Crunch & Garnish
  • ½ cup tortilla strips
Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges for serving
Spicy Southwest Dressing
  • ½ cup ranch dressing
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Juice of 1 lime
Ingredient Notes:
  • Avocado oil handles high heat well for cooking chicken.
  • Honey balances the heat from hot sauce.
  • Black beans and corn add hearty texture and fiber.

Equipment

  • To prepare this Southwest chicken salad, you’ll need:
  • Large skillet or grill pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Salad serving bowl
  • Tip: A grill pan adds extra smoky flavor to the chicken.

Method
 

  1. Follow these steps for a perfectly layered spicy Southwest chicken salad.
Step 1: Season the Chicken
  1. Pat chicken breasts dry.
  2. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt.
  3. Rub chicken with avocado oil, then coat evenly with seasoning.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until fully cooked and lightly charred.
  3. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Slice into strips.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
  1. In a bowl, whisk together:
  2. Ranch dressing
  3. Hot sauce
  4. Honey
  5. Lime juice
  6. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness if needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad Base
  1. In a large bowl, add lettuce.
  2. Arrange black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, tomatoes, and avocado on top.
Step 5: Add Chicken
  1. Place sliced chicken evenly over the salad.
Step 6: Finish the Salad
  1. Drizzle with spicy Southwest dressing.
  2. Sprinkle tortilla strips on top.
  3. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Step 7: Serve
  1. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store salad components separately in airtight containers
Refrigerate for up to 3 days
Reheating
Reheat chicken gently before serving
Assemble salad fresh for best texture
Tip: Add avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.
🥄 Variations
Customize your Southwest chicken salad with these ideas:
Extra Spicy
Add extra hot sauce or chili flakes
Low-Carb Version
Skip tortilla strips
Creamier Salad
Add extra avocado or dressing
Meal Prep Friendly
Keep dressing separate until serving
Vegetable Boost
Add shredded cabbage or cucumber
❓ 10 FAQs
Is this salad very spicy?
It’s moderately spicy and easy to adjust.
Can I grill the chicken instead?
Yes, grilling works perfectly.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it’s balanced with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, prep components separately.
Is this salad filling?
Absolutely—thanks to chicken, beans, and avocado.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, just season lightly.
Is it kid-friendly?
Reduce hot sauce for a milder version.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, great for groups.
What dressing works best?
Spicy ranch-style dressing is ideal.
Does it work for lunch boxes?
Yes, just keep dressing separate.
🏁 Conclusion
This spicy Southwest chicken salad proves that salads can be bold, satisfying, and exciting. With smoky chicken, creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and a sweet-spicy dressing, it’s a meal that keeps you full and energized without feeling heavy.
Perfect for busy days, healthy eating goals, or when you want big flavor with minimal effort, this salad is one you’ll come back to again and again.