What comes on the spicy Southwest salad?

A typical spicy Southwest salad features a crisp green base topped with black beans, roasted corn, diced tomatoes, red bell pepper, sliced avocado, and red onion. Grilled chicken seasoned with Southwestern spices adds protein, while crunchy tortilla strips and a spicy ranch or chipotle dressing bring heat and texture. Garnished with cilantro and lime, it’s a bold, well-rounded meal in a bowl.

Is spicy southwest salad healthy?

Yes — it can be very healthy when prepared with fresh ingredients. This salad includes fiber-rich beans, antioxidant-packed vegetables, healthy fats from avocado, and lean protein. Homemade versions offer the most control over sodium, sugars, and fats. Avoiding fried toppings and opting for a lighter, homemade dressing can further boost its nutritional value.

What is in the Southwest salad?

Southwest salads typically combine greens with hearty toppings like black beans, sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, avocado, and grilled protein. The signature flavors come from cumin, chili powder, garlic, lime, and cilantro — ingredients common in Southwestern U.S. cuisine. Tortilla strips or crunchy elements and a spicy or creamy dressing complete the profile.

How many calories are in CFA spicy southwest salad?

Chick-fil-A’s spicy Southwest salad with toppings and creamy salsa dressing contains about 680 calories. This varies depending on added extras like tortilla strips or dressings. By contrast, a homemade version with grilled chicken, light dressing, and portion control can clock in around 500–550 calories, offering a lighter but equally satisfying option.

Spicy Southwest Salad – Bold & Healthy Meal in Minutes

Description

Spicy Southwest Salad brings bold flavor and nutrition. Discover a homemade version that’s healthy, filling, and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Spicy Dressing:
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 to 3 tablespoons hot sauce (choose your preferred variety)
For the Salad:
- 1 head green leaf lettuce, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 avocados, sliced
- 1 cup corn kernels
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup tortilla strips
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl or resealable bag, mix the lime juice and zest, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, honey, and avocado oil. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat a grill pan over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray. Place the marinated chicken on the pan and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and let it rest. Slice into thin strips once slightly cooled.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix together ranch dressing and hot sauce until smooth. Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
Assemble the Salad:
In individual bowls or a large platter, layer the chopped lettuce, sliced chicken, tomatoes, black beans, bell pepper, avocado, corn, and red onion. Sprinkle with tortilla strips, add cilantro, and squeeze fresh lime juice on top.
Serve:
Drizzle the spicy ranch dressing over each serving and enjoy immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Protein-Packed Salads
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American