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A colorful bowl of Southwest chicken salad with grilled chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy chipotle dressing.

“High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad – Bold, Fresh & Filling!”

This High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Loaded with grilled chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, and crisp veggies, it’s tossed in a zesty chipotle-lime dressing for a bold Southwestern kick. With over 30 grams of protein per serving, this salad is both satisfying and energizing—ideal for healthy eating without sacrificing flavor. Serve it in a bowl, wrap it in a tortilla, or enjoy it over greens for a low-carb option!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Burrito bowl, Lettuce cups, Salad bowl
Cuisine Southwest American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Grill or skillet
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Airtight containers (for meal prep)

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups grilled or shredded chicken breast
  • 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • ½ red onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cups romaine or spinach
  • Optional: jalapeños, cotija cheese

Dressing:

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Chicken Grill or shred chicken. Use rotisserie for convenience.
  • Prep the Veggies Dice avocado, onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Rinse beans and corn.
  • Make the Dressing Whisk Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  • Assemble the Salad Layer greens, chicken, beans, corn, veggies, and avocado. Drizzle with dressing.
  • Serve or Store Chill for 30 minutes or pack into containers. Keep dressing and avocado separate until serving.

Notes

  • Toss avocado in lime juice to prevent browning.
  • Use chipotle ranch or avocado-lime dressing for variation.
  • Add quinoa or brown rice for extra carbs.
  • Make it vegan with tofu and dairy-free yogurt.
  • Reduce sodium by rinsing canned beans thoroughly.
Keyword chicken salad, Gluten-Free, healthy lunch, high-protein, Keto-friendly, meal prep, paleo, Southwest