This Southwest Chicken Salad is bursting with bold flavors, crisp veggies, and juicy grilled chicken, all tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing. It’s the perfect mix of fresh, hearty, and satisfying—ideal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep! With smoky, spiced chicken, crunchy tortilla strips, and a tangy lime dressing, every bite is an explosion of Tex-Mex goodness.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Flavor – Smoky, spicy, tangy, and creamy all in one bowl!
- Protein-Packed & Satisfying – Keeps you full and energized.
- Customizable – Add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Make ahead and enjoy all week long.
Ingredients southwest chicken salad recipe
(Full measurements are in the recipe card below!)
- Chicken Breast – Grilled to perfection with a smoky, spiced seasoning.
- Olive Oil – Helps lock in flavor and keep the chicken juicy.
- Lime Juice – Brightens up the salad with a fresh, tangy kick.
- Spices – A mix of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for that irresistible Southwest flavor.
- Romaine Lettuce – Crisp, fresh greens as the salad base.
- Black Beans – Adds protein, fiber, and a creamy texture.
- Corn – A little sweetness to balance the bold flavors.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Juicy bursts of freshness.
- Red Onion – Adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite.
- Avocado – Buttery, creamy, and oh-so-delicious.
- Cheddar Cheese – A melty, savory touch.
- Tortilla Strips – Crunchy and fun!
- Cilantro – A fresh pop of herbal goodness.
- Southwest Dressing – A creamy, zesty blend of Greek yogurt, mayo, lime juice, and seasonings.
How to Make Southwest Chicken Salad
1. Season and Cook the Chicken
Chicken Salad starts with perfectly seasoned chicken! Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, lime juice, and a bold Southwest spice blend. Grill or pan-sear them until they develop a gorgeous golden crust and are cooked through. Let the chicken rest to lock in the juices, then slice it into strips for the perfect addition to your salad.
2. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss together romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, cheddar cheese, and cilantro.
3. Make the Dressing
Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, lime juice, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
4. Toss and Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Top with sliced chicken and crunchy tortilla strips. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Marinate the Chicken – For extra flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make it Spicy – Add cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Crisp Up the Tortilla Strips – Toast them in a dry pan for extra crunch.
- Chop Everything Evenly – Ensures the perfect bite every time.
How to Serve
- Serve with warm tortillas or a side of Mexican rice.
- Turn it into wraps by stuffing into large tortillas.
- Pair with a refreshing margarita or agua fresca.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Cook the chicken and chop the veggies up to 3 days in advance.
- Store: Keep components separate in airtight containers for freshness.
- Dressing: Store in a jar for up to 5 days.
- Reheat: Warm the chicken before serving, or enjoy it cold!
FAQs
What is in the Southwest chicken salad?
A Southwest chicken salad typically includes grilled or crispy chicken, romaine or mixed greens, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend), crispy tortilla strips, and avocado. It’s often served with a creamy Southwest dressing or a vinaigrette with a hint of lime.
What comes on Chick-fil-A Southwest salad?
Chick-fil-A’s Spicy Southwest Salad includes spicy grilled chicken breast, mixed greens, grape tomatoes, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, roasted corn, black beans, poblano chiles, and red bell peppers. It’s topped with seasoned tortilla strips and chili lime pepitas, and it’s usually served with creamy salsa dressing.
What dressing for Southwest salad?
Common dressings for a Southwest salad include creamy Southwest dressing, chipotle ranch, cilantro lime dressing, or a spicy avocado dressing. A lighter option is a lime vinaigrette or salsa-based dressing.
What comes on a Southwest chicken salad from Wendy’s?
Wendy’s Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad includes chopped romaine lettuce, grilled chicken breast, pepper jack cheese, diced avocado, applewood smoked bacon, and grape tomatoes. It’s served with Southwest Ranch Dressing.
Why did McDonald’s get rid of the Southwest salad?
McDonald’s removed the Southwest salad, along with other menu items, in 2020 due to streamlining operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company focused on simplifying its menu for faster service, and salads did not return after the initial cuts.
What is the healthiest salad at Wendy’s?
The Parmesan Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken is one of the healthiest salads at Wendy’s, as it is lower in carbs and calories compared to other options. It provides a good amount of protein while keeping sodium levels reasonable.
Does McDonald’s have Southwest chicken salad?
No, McDonald’s no longer offers the Southwest Chicken Salad. It was discontinued in 2020.
Is Wendy’s Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad healthy?
Yes, Wendy’s Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad is considered a relatively healthy fast-food option. It is high in protein, contains healthy fats from avocado, and provides fiber. However, the dressing and bacon can add extra calories and sodium.
What is the most unhealthy thing on the Wendy’s menu?
One of the most unhealthy items on Wendy’s menu is the Big Bacon Cheddar Triple Burger, which has over 1,400 calories, 103g of fat, and 1,850mg of sodium. Other high-calorie options include large Frostys and loaded fries.
Which Wendy’s salad has the least amount of sodium?
The Apple Pecan Chicken Salad has the least sodium compared to other Wendy’s salads, especially if you go easy on the dressing and toppings. It has around 700mg of sodium without the dressing.
Conclusion Southwest Chicken Salad
This Southwest Chicken Salad is everything you want in a meal—easy, vibrant, and packed with flavor. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or impressing friends at a gathering. Let me know how you customize yours!
Southwest Chicken Salad
Equipment
- Grill or Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Salad Base
- 4 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn fresh or canned
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup tortilla strips for crunch
- 2 tbsp cilantro chopped
Southwest Dressing
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayo
- 1 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
Instructions
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, lime juice, and seasonings. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Grill or cook chicken in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice.
- In a large bowl, toss romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, cheddar cheese, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, lime juice, cumin, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
- Drizzle dressing over salad and toss to combine. Top with sliced chicken and tortilla strips. Serve immediately.