Are you looking for a fresh and fiery salad that’s easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors? This Spicy Southwest Salad is what your culinary dreams are made of! Complete with a spicy ranch dressing, marinated chicken, and creamy avocado, this salad will soon become your new go-to at home. Whether you’re looking for a quick, healthy meal or a dish to impress your guests, this salad is a perfect choice.
Introduction: Southwest Flavors, Bold and Comforting
The Spicy Southwest Salad brings together the bold, smoky flavors of the American Southwest. Known for its blend of spices and fresh ingredients, this dish highlights the rich cultural fusion of Mexican and American cuisines. With a tangy lime-marinated chicken and a spicy ranch dressing, it’s an ideal choice for anyone who loves a little heat with their greens. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
This delicious salad reminds us of the zesty flavors found in popular recipes like Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw. If you enjoy that dish, you’ll definitely want to try this one!
Ingredients for Spicy Southwest Salad
To make the perfect Spicy Southwest Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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 (we recommend Chipotle Cholula)
Salad Ingredients
- 1 head green leaf lettuce, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 avocados, sliced
- 1 cup corn (fresh or canned)
- ½ red onion, sliced
- ½ cup tortilla strips
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
How to Make Spicy Southwest Salad – Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix the lime juice, zest, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, honey, and avocado oil. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Heat a grill pan over medium heat and spray with cooking spray. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Ranch Dressing
In a small bowl, mix the ranch dressing with your chosen hot sauce. Stir until well combined. Set aside while you prepare the salad.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, layer the lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, bell pepper, avocado, corn, and red onion. Add the grilled chicken slices on top. Sprinkle with tortilla strips, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Drizzle the spicy ranch dressing over the salad before serving.
For a similar grilled chicken recipe with a tropical twist, you might enjoy this Hawaiian Grilled Chicken.
Helpful Tips for Making Spicy Southwest Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lime juice and crisp lettuce will elevate the flavors of the salad.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less hot sauce to the ranch dressing.
- Grill the Chicken Perfectly: Don’t flip the chicken too often to ensure those beautiful grill marks and a juicy texture.
Best Cooking Tips for Spicy Southwest Salad
- Equipment Hacks: Use a grill pan or outdoor grill to get those perfect char marks on the chicken.
- Make Ahead: The chicken can be marinated a day in advance to save time, and the dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
If you’re looking for another crowd-pleasing recipe with rich, comforting flavors, try this Ultimate Cowboy Casserole.
Serving Suggestions for Spicy Southwest Salad
This salad is great on its own but can be paired with sides like warm cornbread or chips and guacamole. For drinks, a refreshing margarita or iced tea makes the perfect complement. Present the salad in a large bowl, garnished with extra lime wedges for a restaurant-worthy presentation!
Nutritional Information
This Spicy Southwest Salad is packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making it a well-rounded meal. The avocado and chicken provide healthy fats and lean protein, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals.
Nutritional Info for Spicy Southwest Salad (per serving):
- Calories: 529 kcal
- Fat: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 32g
- Fiber: 11g
Storage and Leftovers for Spicy Southwest Salad
Store any leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken and dressing will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the microwave or a skillet before serving. For best results, avoid reheating the salad vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Spicy Southwest Salad
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and dressing ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh. - What’s the best substitute for avocado oil?
You can use olive oil or vegetable oil as a substitute for avocado oil in the marinade. - How can I make the dressing less spicy?
Reduce the amount of hot sauce or opt for a milder version to suit your heat preference. - Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to check the labels of store-bought ingredients like ranch dressing and tortilla strips.
Related Recipes for Spicy Southwest Salad Lovers:
Conclusion: Try This Spicy Southwest Salad Today!
We hope you enjoy this Spicy Southwest Salad as much as we do! The combination of zesty chicken, creamy avocado, and spicy ranch dressing creates a flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a household favorite. Don’t forget to leave your feedback and share your own variations of the recipe!
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Spicy Southwest Salad Recipe with Avocado & Ranch Dressing
Description
Are you looking for a fresh and fiery salad that’s easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors? This Spicy Southwest Salad is what your culinary dreams are made of! Complete with a spicy ranch dressing, marinated chicken, and creamy avocado, this salad will soon become your new go-to at home. Whether you’re looking for a quick, healthy meal or a dish to impress your guests, this salad is a perfect choice.
Ingredients
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 (we recommend Chipotle Cholula)
Salad Ingredients
- 1 head green leaf lettuce, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 avocados, sliced
- 1 cup corn (fresh or canned)
- ½ red onion, sliced
- ½ cup tortilla strips
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix the lime juice, zest, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, honey, and avocado oil. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Heat a grill pan over medium heat and spray with cooking spray. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Ranch Dressing
In a small bowl, mix the ranch dressing with your chosen hot sauce. Stir until well combined. Set aside while you prepare the salad.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, layer the lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, bell pepper, avocado, corn, and red onion. Add the grilled chicken slices on top. Sprinkle with tortilla strips, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Drizzle the spicy ranch dressing over the salad before serving.
For a similar grilled chicken recipe with a tropical twist, you might enjoy this Hawaiian Grilled Chicken.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lime juice and crisp lettuce will elevate the flavors of the salad.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less hot sauce to the ranch dressing.
- Grill the Chicken Perfectly: Don’t flip the chicken too often to ensure those beautiful grill marks and a juicy texture.
