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Dinner

Fresh Grilled Chicken Southwest Salad

This vibrant Southwest salad features juicy taco seasoned chicken and a creamy cilantro lime dressing that everyone will love.

By Daily Recipes Bookยท ๐ŸŒ Americanยท July 15, 2026
Fresh Grilled Chicken Southwest Salad
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
12 minutes
Total
27 minutes
Serves
4

There is something so satisfying about a big bowl of salad that is actually filling. I love this recipe because it combines fresh, crisp vegetables with smoky grilled chicken and a dressing that is honestly good enough to eat with a spoon. It is the perfect meal for a warm summer evening when you want something light but still hearty enough to keep you full.

You can easily prep the dressing ahead of time or use leftover chicken to get dinner on the table in minutes. It is a fantastic option for meal planning because the flavors actually get better after sitting in the fridge for a little while.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels
  • 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine the chicken, lime juice, olive oil, taco seasoning, and smoked paprika in a bag. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.

  2. 2

    Cook the chicken on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until fully cooked through.

  3. 3

    Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

  4. 4

    Prepare the dressing by blending the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, lime juice, and a handful of cilantro in a food processor until smooth.

  5. 5

    Assemble the salad by placing the chopped lettuce in a large bowl and adding the tomatoes, corn, black beans, cheese, and sliced chicken on top.

  6. 6

    Drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad and garnish with extra cilantro before serving.

๐Ÿ’ก Tips

Store the dressing in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you are taking this salad to a picnic, keep the dressing cold and pour it on just before you serve to keep the lettuce from wilting.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

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