Southwest Chicken Salad
Southwest Chicken Salad🍳
Dinner for 6
4 chicken breast (cubed after cooking)
1 can of rinsed and drained black beans
1 bag of frozen corn
1/2 bunch of cilantro
1/4 of a diced red bell pepper
1 small red onion
1 cup of Colby jack cheese
1 container of grape tomatoes
1 container of mixed greens
Clean your chicken breast and trim them of any fat and pat them dry. Seasoning with the seasonings you see or your seasonings of choice and pan sear them on both sides just enough to get some color on the outside place them in the oven at 425° for 20 minutes.
Dry roast your frozen corn in a skillet with no oil or butter on high heat until the corn kernels begin to blister and char. This usually takes about 10 minutes total.
Once your corn and chicken are done, you’re ready to assemble and eat
Additional tips/notes:
Making a great Southwest Chicken Salad is all about balancing fresh ingredients with bold flavors. When I prepare this salad, I like to use a chipotle seasoning blend to give the chicken a smoky, spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the roasted corn beautifully. Dry roasting the frozen corn is an easy way to add a charred flavor without extra oil — just keep the heat high and stir frequently until the kernels blister and lightly char. For extra freshness, chopping the cilantro finely and mixing it gently into the salad adds a burst of herbal brightness that enhances all the other ingredients. Don’t skimp on the black beans since they add not only protein but a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the crisp mixed greens and crunchy red bell peppers. I often add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a drizzle of a simple dressing made from olive oil, garlic, and a hint of chili powder to bring everything together. This salad is also great for meal prepping because it holds up well in the fridge, and the flavors deepen overnight. If you want to make this salad a little more filling, serve it with warm tortillas or add some avocado slices for creaminess. The combination of the pan-seared chicken seasoned with allspice and granulated garlic, roasted corn, and fresh veggies makes this salad both colorful and nutritious — perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together.
