Description
A comforting salad with smoky flavors, fresh ingredients, and a zesty lime dressing, perfect for busy weeknights and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced or cubed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cooked corn kernels
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedge for serving
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and sprinkle evenly with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the spices.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook 4 to 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside to rest, then slice.
- Char the corn: In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed and toss in the corn kernels. Cook until lightly browned, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust.
- Build the salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, black beans, red onion, charred corn, and cilantro. Drizzle half the dressing and toss lightly to coat.
- Finish and serve: Arrange sliced chicken and avocado over the greens, sprinkle shredded cheese, and drizzle the remaining dressing. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
For a smoky boost, grill the chicken outdoors and char the corn on the grill. This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored separately for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: salad, chicken recipe, healthy dinner, quick meal, Southwest flavors