Go Back
+ servings
Southwest Chicken Salad with Avocado served on a plate

Southwest Chicken Salad with Avocado

No ratings yet
Southwest Chicken Salad with Avocado combines grilled chicken breast with fresh romaine, avocado, and southwest seasoning for a flavorful high-protein meal. The chicken grills to juicy perfection with charred edges in 12 minutes, while fresh ingredients are chopped and assembled quickly for a crisp, vibrant salad.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Southwestern

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast pounded to even thickness about ¾ inch
  • 1 head romaine lettuce washed and dried thoroughly
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved before serving
  • 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen preferred
  • 1 cup black beans rinsed well if canned
  • 2 units avocado ripe but firm, diced just before serving
  • 1 unit lime juiced for dressing
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped for garnish
  • 2 tablespoon Southwest seasoning blend
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil for marinating and grilling

Equipment

  • Grill pan or cast iron skillet Used for grilling chicken with char marks
  • Thermometer Check chicken internal temperature to 165°F
  • Cutting board For slicing chicken and chopping vegetables

Method
 

  1. Rub Southwest seasoning blend and olive oil all over chicken breasts. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes while prepping other ingredients. Pat surface dry before cooking.
    1.5 lbs chicken breast, 2 tbsp Southwest seasoning blend, 2 tbsp olive oil
  2. Preheat grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes until smoking hot. Brush pan with oil to prevent sticking.
    2 tbsp olive oil
  3. Place chicken breasts on hot grill pan. Do not move for the first 4 minutes to develop char crust. Flip once when edges turn white halfway up sides. Grill total 12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
    1.5 lbs chicken breast
  4. Transfer chicken to cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices, then slice thinly against the grain into ½-inch strips.
    1.5 lbs chicken breast
  5. Chop romaine lettuce and halve cherry tomatoes. Rinse black beans and drain corn if canned. Dice avocado last to prevent browning. Combine romaine, tomatoes, beans, corn, and avocado in bowl. Squeeze lime juice over and toss gently. Top with sliced chicken and chopped cilantro before serving.
    1 head romaine lettuce, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cup corn kernels, 1 cup black beans, 2 units avocado, 1 unit lime, 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, 1.5 lbs chicken breast

Notes

  • Marinate chicken at least 20 minutes for better flavor penetration.
  • Use a thermometer to pull chicken at 165°F to keep it juicy.
  • Add avocado right before serving to prevent browning and maintain texture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!