Vegetarian Southwest Chicken Salad

This vibrant Vegetarian Southwest Chicken Salad is a hearty, flavor-packed twist on a classic, perfect for plant-based eaters and salad lovers alike! Featuring crispy, golden plant-based chicken strips, a medley of fresh ingredients like corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado, it's a celebration of southwest-inspired flavors. The homemade chipotle lime dressing adds a smoky, zesty kick, while crunchy tortilla strips and shredded cheddar complete this satisfying dish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this protein-rich vegetarian recipe is ideal for a quick lunch, light dinner, or meal prep favorite. Wholesome, colorful, and downright delicious—this salad will be your new go-to for a healthy, Tex-Mex-inspired meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Plant-based chicken strips
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 6 cups Mixed salad greens
• 1 cup 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 (thinly sliced)
• 1 medium Avocado (diced)
• 2 tablespoons Cilantro (chopped)
• 0.5 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
• 0.25 cup Sour cream
• 0.25 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Lime juice
• 0.5 teaspoon Chipotle powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Cook the plant-based chicken strips for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and heated through. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the salad greens, corn kernels, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and cilantro.

Step 3

To make the dressing, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chipotle powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.

Step 4

Add the cooked plant-based chicken strips to the salad mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips on top.

Step 5

Drizzle the chipotle dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, or serve the dressing on the side.

Step 6

Divide the salad between plates or bowls and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1490.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2118.2

Total Fat 136.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.6g
Cholesterol 148.1mg	0%
Sodium 3778.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 162.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 42.5g	0%
Total Sugars 22.8g
Protein 93.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 839.4mg	0%
Iron 13.4mg	0%
Potassium 3289.6mg	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: 54.6%

Protein: 16.5%

Carbs: 28.9%