Craving a salad that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying? Meet your new favorite: the Ultimate Southwest Chicken Salad.
Packed with bold flavors and fresh ingredients, this salad is anything but ordinary. The high-protein dressing adds the perfect finishing touch, making it a complete meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you need a quick and hearty dish that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Let’s get started!
Steps
- Chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large bowl. Dice the bell pepper and red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and remove the corn kernels from the cob.
- Thoroughly drain and rinse the black beans. If you are preparing this salad in advance, store the chopped vegetables (except tomatoes) in separate containers in the refrigerator.
- Layer the red onion, corn, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, black beans, and tortilla strips over the romaine lettuce. Add avocado slices if you desire.
- Prepare the chipotle ranch dressing by blending sour cream, mayonnaise, chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and salt until smooth. Drizzle the dressing over the salad as desired.
- To store leftovers, keep each ingredient in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The salad dressing can be stored in a jar and used as needed.
Ingredients
- 3 hearts of romaine lettuce, sliced
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 15 oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 bell pepper, chopped into large chunks
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 ears of corn, kernels cut from the cob
- Tortilla strips, for serving
- Avocado slices, optional for serving
- 8 oz sour cream
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dill
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ tablespoons lime juice
Nutritional Values
Calories: 529kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 384mg | Potassium: 840mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 7309IU | Vitamin C: 51mg | Calcium: 108mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- How can I adjust the spiciness of the chipotle ranch dressing?
- If you prefer a milder dressing, start with one or two chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and add more gradually to reach your desired level of heat.
- Can I prepare the salad ingredients in advance?
- Yes, most ingredients such as black beans, corn, red onion, lettuce, and bell pepper can be prepped and stored in separate containers in the fridge for several days. It’s best to add cherry tomatoes and toppings just before serving.
- How should I store the leftover salad and dressing?
- Store the individual salad ingredients in airtight containers or bags in the refrigerator. The dressing can be kept in a mason jar with a tight lid for up to a week. Add the dressing to the salad when ready to eat.
- What can I add to this southwest salad for extra protein?
- Feel free to customize your salad by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or your preferred protein to make it more filling.
- Is there a way to make the chipotle ranch dressing without a food processor?
- While a food processor or blender is recommended for a smooth consistency, you can finely chop the chipotle peppers and whisk all ingredients together if necessary.
Tips
- To maintain freshness when preparing the salad in advance, store components such as black beans, corn, red onion, lettuce, and bell pepper in separate containers in the fridge. Wait to add cherry tomatoes and toppings until just before serving.
- If you prefer a milder dressing, start by using only one or two chipotle peppers in the dressing, then gradually add more to reach your desired level of heat.
- Enhance the salad’s flavor and texture by incorporating additional toppings like avocado slices or extra protein, such as grilled chicken or tofu, as desired.
- For optimal storage, keep the chipotle ranch dressing in a mason jar or airtight container in the fridge, where it can last for up to a week. Add it to the salad just before eating to ensure the salad stays crisp.
Equipment
- Blender or Food Processor – Required to make the chipotle ranch dressing smooth.
- Mason Jar or Airtight Container – Useful for storing the dressing in the fridge.
