Back when I first started trying to eat “healthier,” salads felt like punishment. Sad lettuce. Dry chicken. No thanks. But then I discovered Southwest salads — and suddenly, eating better didn’t feel like missing out at all.

This Homemade Southwest Salad is smoky, creamy, crunchy, and so satisfying. With grilled chicken, black beans, corn, and a zippy lime dressing, it’s the kind of meal that fills you up and makes you feel good afterward.

It’s also great for meal prep and super easy to customize depending on what you have in the fridge!

Ingredients (serves 3–4):

For the Salad:

• 6 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens

• 1 cooked chicken breast, sliced (grilled, baked, or rotisserie)

• 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1/2 cup corn (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)

• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced

• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese

• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 avocado, sliced (optional)

• Crushed tortilla chips or strips, for topping

• Optional: pickled jalapeños, red onion, chopped cilantro

For the Creamy Southwest Dressing:

• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

• 1 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1/2 tsp cumin

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1–2 tbsp water to thin, if needed

Instructions:

1. Make the dressing: Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a bowl or jar until smooth. Add water 1 tbsp at a time to reach desired consistency.

2. Assemble the salad: Arrange greens in bowls. Top with chicken, beans, corn, bell pepper, tomatoes, cheese, avocado, and any extras you like.

3. Drizzle & serve: Spoon the dressing over the top, sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips, and serve right away!

Sarah’s Tips & Swaps:

• Veggie-friendly: Skip the chicken and add extra black beans or grilled tofu.

• Make it spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing or toss in sliced jalapeños.

• No dairy? Use a dairy-free yogurt and skip the cheese for a creamy but dairy-free meal.

• Meal prep tip: Layer everything in jars or containers (dressing on the bottom) and shake when ready to eat!

Flavorful Conclusion:

This Southwest Salad is bold, fresh, and totally satisfying. It’s proof that a salad can be more than just lettuce—it can be the star of the show. Whether you’re eating clean or just craving something delicious and full of texture, this one’s a must-try.

Nutrition (Per Serving – makes 4):

• Calories: 390

• Protein: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 20g

• Fat: 22g

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 4g

• Sodium: 520mg