A flavorful and easy Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad made with juicy grilled chicken, fresh veggies, avocado, and a creamy spicy ranch dressing.

Scale

Chicken Marinade:

1 lime juiced and zested

1 tsp garlic powder

½ tsp cumin

1 tsp chili powder

½ tsp salt

2 tbsp honey

1 tbsp avocado oil

2 chicken breasts

Spicy Ranch Dressing:

½ cup ranch dressing

2–3 tbsp hot sauce of choice (Chipotle Cholula)

Salad:

1 head green leaf lettuce chopped

2 tomatoes diced

1 can black beans drained and rinsed

1 red bell pepper sliced

2 avocado sliced

1 cup corn

½ red onion sliced

½ cup tortilla strips

Cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

1. In a large bowl or bag, mix marinade ingredients. Add chicken and marinate 8–24 hours.

2. Heat grill pan on medium heat. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes each side until done. Let cool, then slice.

3. Combine ranch and hot sauce to make dressing.

4. Assemble salad with lettuce, chicken, veggies, and toppings.

5. Drizzle with spicy ranch and serve with lime wedges.

Use fresh lime for best flavor. Add jalapeños for extra heat or Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.

Keywords: spicy southwest chicken salad, grilled chicken salad, spicy ranch chicken salad