Description
Discover the vibrant and flavorful Spicy Southwest Salad with Creamy Salsa Dressing, an irresistible dish perfect for any meal. With a delightful blend of spiced chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich creamy salsa dressing, this salad is both satisfying and easy to prepare. In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up a wholesome meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. Not only does it pack a punch in flavor, but it’s also customizable to suit your spice preference, making it a versatile option for everyone.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.25 lb chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ancho chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp white granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive or avocado oil
- 8–10 oz spring salad mix
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 large red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1/2 cup corn (drained)
- 1/2 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese mix
- 1/4 cup roasted and salted pepitas
- 1/2 cup toasted tortilla strips
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup spicy salsa (or medium, or mild)
- 1/2 lime – juice only
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4–1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/8–1/4 tsp black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- 1. Season and cook chicken in a skillet until golden brown and cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
- 2. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, salsa, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- 3. Assemble the salad by layering the greens first, followed by vegetables, cheese, pepitas, tortilla strips, and sliced chicken.
- 4. Drizzle with the creamy dressing just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg