Southwestern Grilled Chicken Salad
Brighten up your summer days with this Southwestern Grilled Chicken Salad, bursting with flavor and color. This refreshing salad features succulent grilled chicken, seasoned to perfection with authentic fajita spices, complemented by a zesty bean and corn mixture. Topped with fresh mixed greens, vibrant tomatoes, and crunchy green onions, it’s a delightful medley that’s sure to become your go-to dish for picnics and barbecues. Whether served chilled or warm, drizzled with ranch or French dressing, this salad brings a taste of the Southwest to your table and is perfect for enjoying with family and friends.
6
Servings
98
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (sliced into strips)
fajita seasoning mix
1 (1 1/3 ounce) packet (divided)
olive oil
1 tablespoon
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
Mexican-style corn
1 (11 ounce) can (drained)
salsa
1/2 cup
mixed salad greens
1 (10 ounce) bag
green onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
tomato
1 (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by rubbing the chicken strips evenly with half of the fajita seasoning, ensuring an even coating.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for about 6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into bites.
3
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the bean and corn mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the rinsed black beans, drained Mexican-style corn, salsa, and the remaining fajita seasoning. Stir until well combined.
4
For the salad, in a large serving bowl, toss together the mixed salad greens, chopped green onions, and diced tomatoes until uniformly distributed.
5
To serve, top the salad mixture with the grilled chicken and spoon the bean and corn mixture over the top. Drizzle with your choice of dressing, and enjoy either warm or chilled!
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
11g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwestern Grilled Chicken Salad?
This is a vibrant and refreshing salad featuring grilled chicken seasoned with fajita spices, combined with a zesty bean and corn mixture over fresh greens.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include boneless skinless chicken breasts, fajita seasoning, olive oil, black beans, Mexican-style corn, salsa, mixed greens, green onions, and tomatoes.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 98 calories.
Is this salad considered a healthy meal option?
Yes, it is low in calories (98) and fat (3g) while providing 7g of protein, making it a healthy choice.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but ensure they are completely thawed before seasoning and grilling.
What is the best way to season the chicken?
Rub the chicken strips evenly with half of the fajita seasoning packet before cooking.
How long should the chicken be cooked?
Cook the chicken in a skillet for about 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and the juices run clear.
Can I substitute the olive oil?
Yes, you can use other cooking oils like vegetable oil or canola oil if olive oil is unavailable.
What goes into the bean and corn mixture?
It consists of rinsed black beans, drained Mexican-style corn, salsa, and the remaining fajita seasoning.
Should the black beans be rinsed?
Yes, it is recommended to rinse and drain the black beans before adding them to the mixture.
Can I use regular corn instead of Mexican-style corn?
Yes, regular canned or frozen corn can be used, though Mexican-style corn adds extra peppers and seasoning.
What type of salsa is best for this recipe?
Any variety of salsa works; use mild, medium, or hot depending on your spice preference.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
This versatile salad can be enjoyed either warm with freshly grilled chicken or chilled.
What dressing pairs well with this salad?
Ranch or French dressings are excellent choices to complement the Southwestern flavors.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
Each serving contains 7 grams of protein.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can grill the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the salad.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label on your fajita seasoning packet to ensure it does not contain wheat fillers.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and add extra beans or a plant-based protein substitute.
How should I store leftover salad?
Store the components in an airtight container in the refrigerator; it is best to store the dressing separately to prevent wilting.
How long will the leftovers keep in the fridge?
The salad is best consumed within 2 to 3 days when refrigerated.
Can I use steak instead of chicken?
Absolutely, grilled steak strips seasoned with fajita mix would be a delicious alternative.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is mild to moderate depending on the specific fajita seasoning and salsa used.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 11 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I grill the chicken on an outdoor grill?
Yes, grilling the chicken outdoors will add a nice smoky flavor to the salad.
What kind of greens should I use?
A 10-ounce bag of mixed salad greens is recommended, but you can use romaine or spinach if preferred.
Can I add avocado to this salad?
Yes, sliced avocado or guacamole would be a perfect addition to enhance the Southwestern theme.
Can I substitute the black beans?
Yes, pinto beans or kidney beans can be used as a substitute for black beans.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as the chicken and bean mixture can be made in bulk and divided into containers.