Southwest Bbq Chicken Salad

Elevate your salad game with this refreshing and flavor-packed Southwest BBQ Chicken Salad! Loaded with tender, BBQ-glazed chicken breast, crisp romaine lettuce, sweet corn, black beans, juicy grape tomatoes, and vibrant red bell peppers, this hearty salad is a celebration of bold, southwestern flavors. Topped with shredded cheddar cheese, crunchy crushed tortilla chips, and a drizzle of zesty homemade Southwest ranch dressing with a hint of chipotle spice, this easy 35-minute recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Finished with a squeeze of fresh lime, this healthy and satisfying salad combines smoky, tangy, and savory notes in every bite, making it a crowd-pleaser for both family meals and casual gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 0.5 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup sweet corn, cooked (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
• 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped
• 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
• 1 piece lime
• 0.5 cup ranch dressing
• 1 tablespoon chipotle sauce (optional for spice)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil.

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Step 3

Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4

Brush BBQ sauce on the chicken during the last 2 minutes of cooking to glaze it. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 5

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Southwest dressing by mixing ranch dressing, chipotle sauce (if using), and a squeeze of fresh lime juice in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 6

In a large salad bowl, toss together the chopped romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, grape tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.

Step 7

Add the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips to the salad mixture and toss lightly to combine.

Step 8

Top the salad with the sliced BBQ chicken.

Step 9

Drizzle the Southwest dressing over the top before serving, or serve it on the side for individual portions.

Step 10

Squeeze additional lime juice over the salad for a bright, zesty finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2208.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2406.9

Total Fat 111.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g
Cholesterol 395.9mg	0%
Sodium 5243.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 207.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 46.6g	0%
Total Sugars 61.7g
Protein 167.8g	0%

Vitamin D 3.5IU	0%
Calcium 1016.0mg	0%
Iron 17.1mg	0%
Potassium 4558.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.1%

Protein: 26.8%

Carbs: 33.1%