Description
Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish packed with lean chicken, smoky turkey bacon, fresh mixed greens, black beans, sweet corn, avocado, and creamy plant-based cheese. Tossed with a zesty, natural dressing, this salad is quick to prepare and perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner, delivering bold Southwest flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded or cubed
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
Vegetables and Greens
- 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, baby spinach, or spring mix)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dairy Alternatives
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (natural)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (natural)
- Pinch of natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts by grilling, baking, or pan-searing with cumin, paprika, and garlic powder to infuse Southwest flavors. Once cooked, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a hot pan, cook smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Drain excess fat on paper towels and crumble into small pieces to add smoky, crunchy notes to your salad.
- Assemble the Salad Base: Rinse and dry the mixed greens, then layer them in a large bowl. Add black beans, sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle a generous amount of crumbled plant-based cheese and chopped fresh cilantro over the salad to introduce creamy and fresh herb flavors.
- Prepare and Toss with Dressing: In a small jar, whisk together apple cider vinegar, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, and a pinch of natural gelling agent. Drizzle over salad and toss gently to combine all vibrant flavors beautifully.
Notes
- Pre-cook chicken and smoked turkey bacon ahead of time for faster meal prep.
- Use the freshest produce available to maximize flavor and crunch.
- Balance creamy, crunchy, and juicy textures for a satisfying bite.
- Adjust the amount of natural gelling agent to customize dressing thickness.
- Serve immediately after tossing with dressing for the best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Southwest Chicken Salad, healthy salad, grilled chicken salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, gluten free salad, quick salad, fresh vegetable salad
