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Easy Southwest Chicken Salad with Avocado Ranch dressing filled with fresh ingredients.

Southwest Chicken Salad with Avocado Ranch

A refreshing and hearty chicken salad featuring bold flavors, creamy avocado ranch dressing, and a variety of crunchy toppings, perfect for a quick meal without the hassle of cooking a complicated dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs Thighs are juicier, but breasts work well if not overcooked.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil or avocado oil For cooking the chicken.
  • 1 teaspoon Chili powder For seasoning the chicken.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin For seasoning the chicken.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 pinch Cayenne or hot sauce Optional for extra kick.
Salad Ingredients
  • 4 cups Greens (romaine, spring mix, or iceberg) Choose based on preference.
  • 1 cup Black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 cup Corn (canned, frozen, or grilled) Grilled corn is recommended.
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Or diced roma.
  • 1 cup Tortilla strips or crushed chips For crunch.
  • 1 cup Shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or cotija)
  • Optional Red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime wedges As desired.
For the Avocado Ranch Dressing
  • 1 ripe Avocado Should be soft enough to mash easily.
  • 1 cup Ranch dressing
  • 1 tablespoon Lime juice Add more for extra tang.
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 1-2 tablespoons Water or milk To loosen dressing if too thick.

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Pat the chicken dry and rub with oil. Season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook the chicken in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat until cooked through and browned.
  3. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Prepare the Dressing
  1. Mash the ripe avocado in a bowl and mix with ranch dressing, lime juice, and salt.
  2. Add water or milk to adjust the thickness if needed.
Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large bowl, layer greens, followed by sliced chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese, and toppings of choice.
  2. Drizzle the avocado ranch dressing on top right before serving.

Notes

For meal prep, store the dressing and crunchy toppings separately to maintain freshness. If making ahead, chop veggies and prep chicken in advance.