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Quick Homemade Spicy Southwest Salad

Quick Homemade Spicy Southwest Salad That Dances with Flavor

Quick Homemade Spicy Southwest Salad offers a burst of vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, perfect for weeknight meals or gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 8 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1 large lime (juiced and zested)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Spicy Ranch Dressing
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • hot sauce (to taste)
For the Salad
  • 4 cups green leaf lettuce (chopped)
  • 2 medium tomatoes (diced)
  • 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper (sliced)
  • 2 medium avocados (sliced)
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1/2 medium red onion (sliced)
  • 1 cup tortilla strips
  • 1/4 cup cilantro
  • 2 pieces lime wedges

Equipment

  • grill pan
  • Bowl
  • resealable bag
  • small bowl

Method
 

Marination and Cooking
  1. In a bowl or resealable bag, combine lime juice and zest, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, honey, and avocado oil to create a flavorful marinade. Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and coat fully. Seal and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
  2. Heat a grill pan over medium heat and lightly spray it with cooking spray. Grill marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through to 165°F. Remove from heat and slice.
Dressing and Assembly
  1. In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing and hot sauce until smooth. Adjust to desired heat.
  2. In serving bowls, layer lettuce followed by grilled chicken, tomatoes, black beans, bell pepper, avocado, corn, and onion. Top with tortilla strips.
  3. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges. Drizzle with spicy ranch dressing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Maximize flavor by marinating chicken for 24 hours. Keep ingredients separated until serving for optimal freshness.

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