Spicy Southwest Salad (with Spicy Ranch Dressing)
A hearty Spicy Southwest Salad loaded with grilled chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, and creamy spicy ranch dressing for a fresh and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southwestern American / Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
Juice of 1 lime
Zest of 1 lime
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons avocado oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Spicy Ranch Dressing
½ cup ranch dressing
2–3 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
For the Salad
6 cups lettuce or mixed greens
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 bell pepper, diced
1 avocado, sliced or diced
1 cup corn kernels
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup tortilla strips
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, honey, and avocado oil.
Add the chicken breasts and coat evenly with the marinade.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Grill the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove from the grill and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes.
Slice into strips.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Ranch Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing and hot sauce.
Stir until smooth and creamy.
Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your preferred spice level.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Add the lettuce or mixed greens to a large serving bowl.
Top with tomatoes, black beans, bell pepper, avocado, corn, red onion, and tortilla strips.
Arrange the sliced grilled chicken over the top.
Step 5: Serve
Drizzle the spicy ranch dressing over the salad.
Toss lightly if desired.
Serve immediately while the chicken is warm.
Notes
Marinating the chicken enhances flavor and tenderness.
For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or additional hot sauce.
Fresh grilled corn adds a smoky flavor to the salad.
Keep the dressing separate when meal prepping to maintain freshness.
Rotisserie chicken can be used as a quick substitute for grilled chicken.
