Best 2 Speedy Southwest Salad Recipes

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with our collection of speedy and delicious salad recipes. From the classic Southwest Salad with its blend of juicy grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and tangy dressing, to the lighter Southwest Quinoa Salad with its fluffy quinoa, roasted corn, and black beans, there's a perfect salad for every palate. For a vegetarian twist, try the Southwest Black Bean Salad with its hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a zesty cilantro-lime dressing. If you're craving something a bit more substantial, the Southwest Chicken and Avocado Salad combines tender grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and a smoky chipotle dressing. And for a refreshing and flavorful side dish, the Southwest Corn Salad delivers with its mix of sweet corn, crunchy bell peppers, and a tangy vinaigrette.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

SPICY SOUTHWEST SALAD RECIPE (CHICK-FIL-A COPYCAT)

Spicy Southwest Salad Recipe (Chick-Fil-A Copycat) image

Spicy, flavorful, crunchy, and delicious. This Spicy Southwest Salad copycat recipe tastes just like the Chick-Fil-A version! Make this easy salad in no time at all for a healthy weeknight meal that everyone will love.

Provided by Christine McMichael

Categories Dinner Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer Salad

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1/4 cup white wine vinegar (or any vinegar)
2 Tbsp orange juice
1 Tbsp avocado oil
2 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp cayenne
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 chicken breasts (or 3 small)
1 large red bell pepper, chopped
6-8 cups chopped spinach (or romaine)
1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced
1/2 cup black beans
1/2 cup corn
1/2 cup shredded cheese
1/4 cup pepitas
1 cup crumbled tortilla chips (or tortilla strips)
1/3 cup Southwest Salad Dressing

Steps:

Mix the ingredients for the marinade together.
Place the chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag and pour the marinade over it.
Marinate the chicken overnight (or for at least 30 minutes before baking).
Preheat the oven to 350 degress F.
Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
Add the chopped bell pepper to the baking sheet and continue to bake for another 15 minutes (or until the chicken is fully cooked).
While the chicken is baking, make the salad dressing.
Chop the spinach.
In a large salad bowl, toss all of the salad ingredients together (except for the pepitas, tortilla chips, and dressing).
Add the chicken and bell peppers once they are done baking and toss together.
Plate each salad, add the peptias, tortilla chips, and drizzle with dressing.
Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 343 kcal, Carbohydrate 21 g, Protein 33 g, Fat 14 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 83 mg, Sodium 431 mg, Fiber 5 g, Sugar 5 g, ServingSize 1 serving

SPEEDY SOUTHWEST SALAD

Speedy Southwest Salad image

I used leftover corn and black beans I had in the fridge to throw together this simple layered salad. It's a big time-saver because it requires little chopping and features a quick dressing. The crunchy combination is always in demand at our house. -Kara Ann Goff, Loveland, Colorado

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 package (10 ounces) ready-to-serve salad greens
1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup ranch salad dressing
1/2 cup picante sauce
1 cup crushed tortilla chips
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced tomatoes

Steps:

Place the greens in a large salad bowl. Top with corn and beans. , In a small bowl, combine the salad dressing and picante sauce; spoon over vegetables; toss to coat. Sprinkle with tortilla chips, cheese and tomatoes. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 306 calories, Fat 16g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 13mg cholesterol, Sodium 709mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 8g protein.

Tips:

Prep veggies in advance: Chop the veggies and store them in airtight containers in the fridge up to 3 days in advance to save time on busy weeknights.
Use a food processor to speed up the chopping: If you have a food processor, use it to quickly chop the veggies and herbs. This will save you a lot of time and effort.
Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, don't overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly and becoming dry.
Use a store-bought dressing to save time: If you're short on time, use a store-bought dressing instead of making your own. Ranch, creamy Caesar, or a simple vinaigrette would all be good options.
Add some extra toppings: Feel free to add some extra toppings to your salad, such as crumbled bacon, cotija cheese, or chopped avocado.

Conclusion:

This speedy southwest salad is a delicious and healthy meal that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. It's perfect for busy weeknights or when you're looking for a light and refreshing lunch. The combination of grilled chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this salad a try. You won't be disappointed!