What is in Southwest chicken salad?

Southwest chicken salad typically includes grilled or seasoned chicken breast served over a bed of greens like romaine lettuce, along with black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, and red onions. It often features toppings like avocado, crunchy tortilla strips, and a smoky chipotle or ranch-style dressing. Our version amplifies these classic components with pepitas and a creamy yogurt-chipotle dressing for extra texture and flavor.

What should I put in my grilled chicken salad?

To build a well-rounded grilled chicken salad, start with a hearty base like chopped lettuce or spinach. Add protein-rich grilled chicken, then incorporate vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, or grilled corn. Include healthy fats like avocado, crunch from seeds or nuts, and a flavorful dressing. The key is balancing protein, fiber, and healthy fat with color and texture for a satisfying and visually appealing bowl.

What is a Wendy's Southwest grilled chicken salad?

Wendy's Southwest grilled chicken salad features grilled chicken breast, pepper jack cheese, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and Southwest ranch dressing, often served with tortilla strips. While it offers similar flavors, our homemade grilled southwest chicken salad uses fresher ingredients, a chipotle-lime yogurt dressing, and more customizable toppings, making it a healthier and more vibrant alternative.

What are the 4 ingredients in chicken salad?

Traditional chicken salad generally includes cooked chicken, mayonnaise, celery, and seasonings like salt and pepper. However, southwest chicken salad is much more layered—it’s a modern twist that incorporates grilled chicken, veggies, spices, and a bold dressing, transforming a basic salad into a full meal bursting with flavor and nutrition.

Grilled Southwest Chicken Salad: Bold, Smoky & Freshly Satisfying

Description

Grilled Southwest Chicken Salad with smoky chipotle dressing, fresh veggies, and juicy chicken. A balanced, crave-worthy salad for any season.

Ingredients

For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (marinated and cooked)
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 1/2 cups black beans, drained and rinsed
- Kernels from 2 ears sweet corn (raw or roasted)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or similar blend)
- 2 avocados, diced
- 1/2 cup roasted, salted pepitas or sunflower seeds
- Crushed tortilla chips or tortilla strips to taste
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water or milk to thin, if needed

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Marinate chicken in a chili lime mixture for at least 30 minutes. Cook on a grill or skillet until done, then slice or chop.
Make the Dressing: In a blender or bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayo, chipotle pepper, lime juice, and spices. Blend or whisk until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion, and cheese.
Add Chicken and Toppings: Add the cooked chicken, pepitas or sunflower seeds, and crushed tortilla chips. Add avocados last to prevent browning.
Serve: Toss salad with dressing just before serving, or serve dressing on the side. For leftovers, keep avocado, chips, and dressing separate until serving.