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Fuel Your Day with a High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad Boost - Featured Image

Fuel Your Day with a High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad Boost

Learn how to make delicious High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients—fresh and vibrant veggies, lean protein, and quality pantry staples. I always aim to use the freshest produce I can find, and when it comes to chicken, I prefer organic or free-range options for better flavor and peace of mind. Growing up, my mom showed me that even the simplest meals shine when made with love and care, and that’s a principle I follow when picking ingredients for this salad.

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup cooked black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 1 large avocado, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens or baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or cotija cheese

Substitutions: If you’re short on fresh corn, canned works fine—just drain well. Swap black beans for kidney or pinto beans for a different twist. For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While it heats, brush the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then season both sides with cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
  3. While the chicken grills, prepare the veggies: dice the avocado, red bell pepper, and halve the cherry tomatoes. If using fresh corn, quickly sauté it in a pan with a little olive oil until tender and slightly charred—this adds lovely smoky notes.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, black beans, corn, bell pepper, tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and remaining olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to balance the acidity.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  7. Top the salad with sliced grilled chicken and sprinkle with shredded cheese if desired.
  8. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture, or chill briefly for a cool, refreshing meal.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad, recipe, cooking, food