🎉 Introduction
If you’re looking for a meal that’s fresh, filling, and packed with protein, this High-Protein Southwest Chicken Salad checks every box. It combines seasoned chicken, crisp vegetables, hearty beans, and a zesty Southwest-style dressing for a salad that eats like a full meal—not a side.
This recipe is designed for:
- High-protein eating and balanced nutrition
- Meal prep that stays fresh and satisfying
- Lunches that actually keep you full
- Anyone who loves bold, smoky Southwest flavors
With juicy chicken as the star, this salad delivers serious flavor alongside crunch, freshness, and just the right amount of creaminess. It’s energizing, colorful, and endlessly craveable.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or grill pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl (for dressing)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Tongs or large spoon
Using a grill pan adds extra smoky flavor, but a skillet works perfectly.
🛒 Ingredients
These ingredients are balanced to maximize protein, texture, and Southwest flavor.
Protein
- 1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
Chicken Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Salad Base
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn (fresh or cooked)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
Creamy Southwest Dressing
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Avocado slices
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Greek yogurt boosts protein while keeping the dressing creamy and light.
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and golden. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Slice the Chicken
Once rested, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad Base
In a large bowl, add romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, red onion, and cucumber. Toss gently to combine.
Step 6: Add the Chicken
Place the sliced chicken on top of the salad mixture.
Step 7: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the Southwest dressing over the salad. Start with half and add more as needed.
Step 8: Toss and Finish
Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Add avocado and cilantro if using.
Step 9: Taste and Adjust
Taste and adjust seasoning or lime juice as needed.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
A high-protein meal salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
- Store salad and dressing separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days
Reheating
- Reheat chicken gently before adding to the salad
- Keep vegetables and dressing cold for best texture
This salad is excellent for meal prep when components are stored separately.
🥄 Variations
Customize your High-Protein Southwest Chicken Salad:
- Extra Protein: Add extra chicken or chickpeas
- Low-Carb: Skip corn and beans
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeño or chili flakes
- Crunch Boost: Add roasted pumpkin seeds
- Wrap Version: Serve inside lettuce wraps
Each variation keeps the salad bold, filling, and nutrient-dense.
❓ 10 FAQs
- How high is the protein content?
The chicken and Greek yogurt provide a strong protein boost. - Can I grill the chicken?
Yes, grilling adds great smoky flavor. - Is this good for weight-focused diets?
Yes, it’s filling and protein-rich. - Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative. - Does it work for meal prep?
Absolutely—store components separately. - Can kids eat this?
Yes, reduce spice for a milder version. - Why rest the chicken?
Resting keeps it juicy and tender. - Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, seasoned leftovers work great. - Is the dressing spicy?
It’s mild with warmth, not heat. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales perfectly for groups.
🏁 Conclusion
This High-Protein Southwest Chicken Salad proves that salads can be bold, filling, and deeply satisfying. With juicy seasoned chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy protein-rich dressing, it’s a complete meal that fuels your day without feeling heavy.
Whether you’re meal prepping, powering through a busy workday, or craving something fresh and flavorful, this recipe delivers nutrition, balance, and big taste—all in one bowl.
High-Protein Southwest Chicken Salad — Bold, Fresh, and Powerfully Satisfying
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, toss the chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and golden. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Once rested, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, add romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, red onion, and cucumber. Toss gently to combine.
- Place the sliced chicken on top of the salad mixture.
- Drizzle the Southwest dressing over the salad. Start with half and add more as needed.
- Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Add avocado and cilantro if using.
- Taste and adjust seasoning or lime juice as needed.
Notes
The chicken and Greek yogurt provide a strong protein boost. Can I grill the chicken?
Yes, grilling adds great smoky flavor. Is this good for weight-focused diets?
Yes, it’s filling and protein-rich. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Does it work for meal prep?
Absolutely—store components separately. Can kids eat this?
Yes, reduce spice for a milder version. Why rest the chicken?
Resting keeps it juicy and tender. Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, seasoned leftovers work great. Is the dressing spicy?
It’s mild with warmth, not heat. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales perfectly for groups. 🏁 Conclusion This High-Protein Southwest Chicken Salad proves that salads can be bold, filling, and deeply satisfying. With juicy seasoned chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy protein-rich dressing, it’s a complete meal that fuels your day without feeling heavy. Whether you’re meal prepping, powering through a busy workday, or craving something fresh and flavorful, this recipe delivers nutrition, balance, and big taste—all in one bowl.
