Soy-Free Southwest Chicken Salad

Crunchy, colorful, and bursting with bold flavors, this Soy-Free Southwest Chicken Salad is a wholesome spin on a classic favorite—perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Juicy grilled chicken breasts are seasoned with smoky spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, then paired with a vibrant medley of crisp romaine, sweet corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado slices. A zesty lime dressing, lightly sweetened with honey, ties everything together, hitting the perfect balance of tangy and refreshing. Free of soy yet packed with satisfying textures and nourishing ingredients, this easy-to-make salad is a crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 35 minutes. Whether you're aiming for a hearty but healthy meal or something that celebrates Southwest-inspired flavors, this recipe delivers on every front!

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 8 cups Romaine lettuce
• 1 cup Sweet corn kernels (cooked or canned, drained)
• 1 cup Black beans (cooked or canned, rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 0.25 cup Red onion (sliced thinly)
• 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro (chopped, optional)
• 2 pieces Avocados (sliced)
• 3 tablespoons Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon Honey
• 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Step 2

Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Ensure the chicken is coated evenly with the spice mixture.

Step 3

Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Remove from the grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.

Step 4

While the chicken cooks, prepare the salad base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Toss gently to combine.

Step 5

Prepare the lime dressing by whisking together the lime juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper in a small bowl.

Step 6

Add the sliced chicken and avocado to the salad. Drizzle the lime dressing over the top and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 7

Serve immediately and enjoy your Soy-Free Southwest Chicken Salad!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1843.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2139.5

Total Fat 118.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.2g
Cholesterol 295.8mg	0%
Sodium 4296.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 145.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 55.4g	0%
Total Sugars 31.1g
Protein 143.9g	0%

Vitamin D 3.5IU	0%
Calcium 364.7mg	0%
Iron 16.9mg	0%
Potassium 5077.1mg	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: 47.9%

Protein: 25.9%

Carbs: 26.2%