Quick Homemade Spicy Southwest Salad Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful Quick Homemade Spicy Southwest Salad featuring marinated grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, black beans, and a zesty spicy ranch dressing. Perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal with a southwestern twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 8-24 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 22 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lime, juiced and zested
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 chicken breasts
Spicy Ranch Dressing
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2–3 tbsp hot sauce of choice (Chipotle Cholula used here)
For the Salad
- 1 head green leaf lettuce, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup corn
- ½ red onion, sliced
- ½ cup tortilla strips
- Cilantro for garnish and lime wedges
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Place all marinade ingredients in a large bowl or gallon-sized zip-top bag. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re well coated. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours and up to 24 hours to allow flavors to infuse deeply.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat a grill pan coated with cooking spray over medium heat. When hot, cook the chicken breasts for 5–6 minutes per side, turning only once to develop defined grill marks and cook through. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing and hot sauce of choice until smooth and evenly combined. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Assemble the salads: Divide chopped green leaf lettuce onto plates or bowls. Top evenly with sliced grilled chicken, diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed black beans, sliced red bell pepper, avocado slices, corn, sliced red onion, and tortilla strips. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge. Drizzle or spoon the spicy ranch dressing over the salad just before serving.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- If you don’t have a grill pan, a regular skillet or outdoor grill will also work well.
- Adjust the hot sauce amount in the dressing to suit your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best brightness and flavor.
- This salad is great for meal prep; keep dressing separate until ready to eat.
Keywords: Southwest salad, grilled chicken salad, spicy ranch dressing, homemade salad, healthy lunch, southwestern cuisine
