High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad (Print View)

Grilled chicken, black beans, and fresh vegetables in zesty lime-cilantro dressing

# Components:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.1 lbs)
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp chili powder
04 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
05 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Salad Base

09 - 1 large romaine lettuce heart chopped
10 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
11 - 1 cup canned black beans drained and rinsed
12 - 1 cup canned sweet corn drained
13 - 1/2 red bell pepper diced
14 - 1/2 avocado diced
15 - 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
16 - 1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
17 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped

→ Lime Cilantro Dressing

18 - 3 tbsp Greek yogurt (0% or 2% fat)
19 - 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
20 - 1 tbsp olive oil
21 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
22 - 1/2 tsp honey or agave syrup
23 - 1/4 tsp ground cumin
24 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# Method:

01 - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
02 - Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Grill chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes then slice thinly.
04 - In a small bowl whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper.
05 - In a large salad bowl combine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, bell pepper, avocado, red onion, cheddar cheese, and cilantro.
06 - Add sliced chicken on top. Drizzle with dressing, toss gently, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Protein that actually keeps you full for hours without that heavy post-meal slump
  • The creamy Greek yogurt dressing delivers all the satisfaction with a fraction of the guilt
02 -
  • Dont skip resting the chicken or it will lose all those delicious juices when you slice it
  • The dressing tastes better after it sits for 10 minutes so make it first
03 -
  • Grill your vegetables alongside the chicken for extra smoky flavor
  • Double the dressing and use it throughout the week on other salads
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