High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad
Introduction
This High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed meal that delivers bold flavors and unstoppable energy. Loaded with lean chicken breast, colorful veggies, and a zesty homemade dressing, this salad makes healthy eating both satisfying and crave-worthy. Whether you’re fueling up after a workout or prepping for busy weekdays, this salad delivers a balanced meal that’s quick to assemble and exciting to eat.
Why Make a High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad?
This recipe stands out because it packs a punch of protein while staying big on flavor. Powerhouse ingredients like black beans, corn, and chicken keep you full, while crisp veggies and southwest-inspired spices bring irresistible taste. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for lunchboxes, meal prep, or sharing at potlucks — one bite and everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Building the Ultimate High Protein Salad
The cornerstone of this salad is simply seasoned, protein-rich chicken breast. Black beans provide extra plant-based protein and fiber. A mix of fresh peppers, tomatoes, and creamy avocado ensures every forkful is colorful and nourishing. For the dressing, a blend of Greek yogurt and lime juice brings tangy creaminess without the extra calories of traditional dressings.
Tips for Assembling Southwest Chicken Salad
Grill or pan-sear the chicken ideally for that smoky, charred flavor. Chill beans and veggies for fresh crunch, and slice avocado just before serving to keep it bright. For lunch prep, keep the dressing separate until ready to eat—this keeps everything crisp and fresh. Layered salads in jars or airtight containers make on-the-go lunches a breeze.
Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Salad
Top your salad with a handful of tortilla strips or toasted pepitas for extra crunch. Want a spicy kick? Add jalapeños or a dash of chipotle powder. Enjoy as a hearty stand-alone dish, a filling wrap, or as the base of a vibrant Southwest-inspired rice bowl.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 4 generous servings. Each serving contains approximately 38 grams of protein, 25 grams of healthy carbohydrates, and plenty of healthy fats from avocado and olive oil. It’s a powerhouse meal for muscle recovery, satiety, and all-day energy.
High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad (Recap)
By balancing lean meats, beans, and veggies, this salad makes healthy meal planning easy and delicious. The zesty southwest flavors and satisfying protein content keep you fueled and happy, making it an ideal option for family meals or meal prepping.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate a smart, organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by category—perfect for hassle-free grocery trips and seamless weekly meal planning.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to make a marinade. Rub over both chicken breasts.
- Grill or pan-sear chicken over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side, until cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine black beans, corn, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, greens, and cilantro.
- Whisk together dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
- Add the sliced chicken to the salad. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently until well combined. Serve immediately, or store components separately for meal prep.
Weekly Meal Planning
This High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad is a meal prep star—lasting well in containers and delivering energy all week. Save and schedule this recipe to easily plan your meals, generate smart shopping lists, and minimize shopping time.
Planning Benefits:
- Consolidate ingredients across all your planned meals—shop once, cook more.
- Organize your list by grocery sections for maximum efficiency.
- Automate total ingredient quantities, eliminating duplicates and food waste.
- See overlap with other menus (for example, chicken and Greek yogurt)—helping you save money and plan ahead with ease.
Pro tip: When prepping for the week, schedule your meals to keep your fridge organized, reduce prep time, and stay on track with nutritional goals.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Enjoy this bold, satisfying salad—your taste buds (and your weekly meal plan) will thank you!
