High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad

This High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad is bursting with bold flavor and nutritious ingredients! Made with grilled chicken, colorful veggies, black beans, and a creamy lime dressing, it’s a satisfying and refreshing option for clean high protein meals. Perfect for easy healthy lunches, work lunch ideas, or quick meal prep, this salad will keep you full, energized, and ready to take on the day.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Servings: 2

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

2 cooked chicken breasts grilled or baked, sliced
1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup mixed greens or baby spinach
½ cup black beans rinsed and drained
½ cup sweet corn fresh, canned, or frozen
½ red bell pepper diced
½ avocado diced
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
¼ cup cherry tomatoes halved
2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
Fresh cilantro for garnish
For the Dressing:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or light sour cream
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Cook the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Grill or bake until golden and fully cooked, then slice thinly.
Prepare the base: Add lettuce and greens to a large bowl.
Add toppings: Layer in black beans, corn, bell pepper, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cheese.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, Greek yogurt, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine: Pour dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat all ingredients.
Serve: Top with sliced chicken and garnish with cilantro. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Store dressing separately for meal prep; toss before eating.
Add quinoa, chickpeas, or eggs for extra protein.
Use avocado instead of yogurt for a dairy-free option.
Great served in wraps or meal-prep containers for lunch.