Description
This high-protein Southwest chicken salad is packed with juicy marinated chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy avocado dressing—perfect for healthy meal prep and weight loss goals.
Ingredients
For The Chicken & Marinade
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
3 tbsp olive oil (divided)
2 limes, juiced and zested
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
For The Salad
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Avocado Dressing
1/2 large avocado
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup fresh herbs (cilantro, basil or parsley)
1 lime, juiced
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, lime juice, zest, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken to marinade. Refrigerate for 2–6 hours.
3. Blend avocado, oil, water, herbs, lime juice, garlic, salt and pepper until creamy.
4. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until 160°F internal.
5. Let chicken rest. Slice into strips.
6. Layer lettuce, beans, corn, tomatoes, red onion, and chicken. Drizzle with dressing and serve.
Notes
Dressing can be stored separately for up to 4 days. Chicken also works great in wraps or tacos.
To lower carbs, omit corn and beans and increase greens.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Salad, Meal Prep
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Southwest American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 80mg