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+ servings
Spicy Southwest Salad

Zesty Spicy Southwest Salad for a Flavorful Meal Night

This Spicy Southwest Salad is a vibrant blend of fresh ingredients, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breasts can be swapped for grilled tofu for a vegetarian option
  • 2 tablespoons White Wine Vinegar any vinegar can be used if you're out
  • 1/4 cup Orange Juice use fresh lemon juice for a deliciously tart twist
  • 2 tablespoons Avocado Oil olive oil works as an alternative
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic freshly minced is ideal
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper adjust according to your spice tolerance
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
For the Salad
  • 4 cups Chopped Spinach or Romaine
  • 1 piece Red Bell Pepper can substitute with yellow or orange peppers
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes
  • 1 can Black Beans rinsed before use
  • 1 cup Corn canned, frozen, or fresh
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheese omit for a vegan version
  • 1/4 cup Pepitas Pumpkin Seeds
  • 1 cup Tortilla Chips or Strips use baked chips for a healthier option
  • 1/2 cup Southwest Salad Dressing the key component that brings this salad together

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Small bowl
  • large serving bowl

Method
 

Marinade Preparation
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, orange juice, avocado oil, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Chicken Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
  2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
  3. After the initial baking time, add the chopped red bell peppers to the baking sheet alongside the chicken. Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Salad Assembly
  1. Prepare your salad by combining the chopped spinach, grape tomatoes, rinsed black beans, and corn in a large serving bowl.
  2. Once the chicken and bell peppers have finished baking, let them cool slightly before slicing. Add these to the salad mixture and gently toss.
  3. Plate the salad, sprinkle with pepitas and tortilla chips, and drizzle with dressing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Customize your salad with different toppings or dressings for a unique spin on this favorite dish.

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