Description
A hearty and flavorful southwest-inspired salad loaded with grilled honey-lime marinated chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, red onions, and crispy tortilla strips, all topped with a creamy, spicy ranch dressing. A bold and balanced meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Marinade:
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- For the Spicy Ranch Dressing:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (like chipotle Cholula)
- For the Salad:
- 6 cups chopped green leaf lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup corn (frozen, canned, or fresh)
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup tortilla strips
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix lime juice and zest, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, honey, and oil. Add chicken breasts, toss to coat, and marinate in the fridge for at least 8 hours.
- Grill the chicken over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side, until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice into strips.
- Mix ranch dressing and hot sauce until smooth for the spicy ranch dressing.
- In a large bowl or platter, arrange lettuce and top with tomatoes, black beans, bell pepper, avocado, corn, red onion, and sliced grilled chicken.
- Drizzle with spicy ranch dressing, sprinkle with tortilla strips, garnish with cilantro and lime wedges, and serve.
Notes
- Swap chicken with tofu and use vegan ranch for a plant-based version.
- Use plain ranch or reduce hot sauce for a milder salad.
- Add shredded cheese like cheddar, Cotija, or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Store components separately if prepping ahead to keep fresh.
- Use gluten-free hot sauce and tortilla strips if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southwest
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
