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–+ servings
Grilled Southwest Chicken Power Salad & Chipotle Ranch

Grilled Southwest Chicken Power Salad & Chipotle Ranch Bliss

Enjoy a vibrant Grilled Southwest Chicken Power Salad with zesty Chipotle Ranch, perfect for healthy lunches or dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breasts or Thighs Can substitute with firm tofu for vegetarian option
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Enhances flavor and moisture
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice Can substitute with lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder For warmth
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Adds earthiness
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika For smoky flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Savory seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Adds depth of flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano For herby aroma
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Enhances flavor
For the Salad Base
  • 6 cups Mixed Greens Fresh foundation
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Chopped
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers Chopped, any color
  • 1 piece Avocado Chopped
  • 1 cup Black Beans Rinsed
  • 1 cup Corn Fresh or canned
  • 1 small Red Onion Sliced thinly
For the Toppings
  • 1/4 cup Pepitas or Crumbled Cotija Cheese Optional for garnish
For the Chipotle Ranch Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Base of dressing
  • 1/2 cup Buttermilk For tanginess
  • 2 tablespoons Chipotle Peppers Adjust based on heat preference
  • 1 tablespoon Lime Juice To brighten flavor
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Fresh
  • 1 teaspoon Spices Your choice

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Blender
  • grill
  • Serving bowl

Method
 

Chicken Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F. Grill the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until it reaches 165°F internally.
Dressing Preparation
  1. While the chicken marinates, combine mayonnaise, buttermilk, chopped chipotle peppers, lime juice, cilantro, and your preferred spices in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Salad Assembly
  1. Once the chicken is grilled, let it rest for 5 minutes. In a large bowl, layer mixed greens, sliced chicken, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and avocado.
  2. Drizzle with Chipotle Ranch dressing and top with pepitas or Cotija cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Marinate chicken for optimal flavor; assemble salad just before serving for freshness.

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