You'll enjoy bold southwestern flavor in every bite with this hearty salad. Fresh veggies, black beans, corn, and avocado are layered with blackened chicken and topped off with a drizzle of tangy homemade Chipotle Dressing. A delightful fusion of smokiness and spice balanced out with the rich, creamy dressing. A satisfying and healthy salad that makes an amazing lunch or dinner.

Enjoy a fresh and flavorful dinner that's healthy and filling too. This southwest blackened chicken salad is topped with creamy chipotle dressing

★ Why You'll Love this Recipe ★

The combination of flavors in this Southwest chicken salad are incredible.

First the chicken. Juicy chicken thighs are coated in a southwest spice mix then grilled to perfection.

Then the salad. The blackened chicken thighs are sliced, then placed over a salad of crunchy romaine lettuce, seasoned black beans, fresh corn off the cob, sliced avocado, plump grape tomatoes, and fresh cilantro leaves.

Then there's the dressing. The creamy chipotle ranch dressing adds a coolness to counteract the spices in the salad. Made with a yogurt base, sour cream, fresh-squeezed lime, and seasonings. The dressing is tangy and rich too, perfectly tying together the blackened chicken with all the fresh veggies.

Southwest Chicken Salad with Chipotle Dressing

This recipe includes a homemade dressing, but you can swap this out for store-bought to save time if you prefer.

★ Ingredients You'll Need ★

Here's a look at what you'll need for the blackened chicken, the salad, and the dressing. Just look at those spices! So much flavor.

Here's what you'll need:

Chicken thighs. Skinless and boneless chicken thighs were used in this recipe. The chicken thighs can be substituted with skinless and boneless chicken breasts if you prefer but you won't get that juiciness that you do with thighs.
Olive oil. Use fresh extra virgin olive oil, or substitute with your preferred frying oil.
Smoked paprika. The smoked paprika can be substituted with sweet paprika.
Chili powder. The amount of chili powder used can be increased or decreased to suit your preferred amount of heat.
Garlic powder. The garlic powder can be substituted with fresh garlic or garlic paste if you prefer a more robust hit of garlic flavor.
Greek yogurt. Use unsweetened, plain Greek yogurt. The yogurt can be substituted with mayonnaise if you prefer or have that handy.
Sour cream. Whole fat sour cream was used in the dressing. The sour cream can be substituted with mayonnaise, or the sour cream omitted and the Greek yogurt increased to 1 cup.
Lime. Fresh lime juice was used in this dressing; however, bottled lime juice can be used if fresh limes are not available. Fresh is going to give you much better flavor though.
Chipotle powder. The amount of chipotle powder used can be increased or decreased to suit personal tastes.
Romaine lettuce. Shredded romaine lettuce can be substituted with loose mixed lettuce leaves or baby spinach leaves.
Black beans. Canned black beans are used in this salad, which have been drained and rinsed before using.
Grape tomatoes. Grape or cherry tomatoes are used in this salad. Large chopped tomatoes can be used in place of the grape or cherry tomatoes.
Corn kernels. Fresh corn kernels cut from corn cobs were used in this salad; however, canned or frozen corn kernels can also be used.
Avocado. A fresh, ripe avocado is used in the salad.
Cilantro. Fresh cilantro leaves can be omitted or substituted with fresh chopped parsley. However, cilantro pairs really nicely with the lime.
Optional: If you're an onion-lover try slicing a red onion and layering on top.

★ How to Make this Recipe ★

This recipe is actually simple to make. It comes together with 3 main parts.

Here's a look at the process:

How to Make Southwest Chicken Salad with Chipotle Dressing

The Blackened Chicken

Season chicken. Let marinate if desired.
Grill or pan-fry chicken.
Slice.

The Salad

Chop veggies as needed and add to a bowl.
Drain, rinse and add beans.
Layer on sliced chicken.

The Dressing

Combine salad dressing ingredients.
Drizzle over salad.

That's how it's done! Easier than you might have thought?

★ Tips & FAQs ★

What distinguishes Southwest Blackened Chicken Salad from traditional Southwest Chicken Salad?

Southwest Blackened Chicken Salad features chicken seasoned with a blend of blackening spices, giving it a bold and smoky flavor. This variation adds an extra layer of depth to the classic Southwest salad.

What other toppings could I include?

Personalize your salad by adding red onion, sliced jalapeños, bell peppers, pico de gallo, salsa, salsa verde or even cheese. Guacamole can be use in place of fresh avocados. Corn salsa can also be used instead of plain corn. Add or omit toppings to your liking or convenience.

How is the chicken blackened in this salad?

Chicken thighs are coated with a blackening spice mix containing flavorful spices. This creates a dark and flavorful crust on the outside when cooked while keeping the inside tender and juicy. For added flavor, the chicken can be marinated in these spices before cooking.

What's unique about the Chipotle Dressing and how does it complement the blackened chicken?

The Chipotle Dressing is a zesty and smoky dressing featuring chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic, and various spices. The Greek yogurt-sour cream base adds creamy richness and softens the bold flavors and smokiness of the blackened chicken, creating a harmonious and delicious combination with every bite!

Can I use bottled chipotle dressing?

While homemade chipotle dressing can be easily prepared by simply mixing together the ingredients, sometimes you might not have time or all the ingredients needed. If that's the case, check your grocery store for a chipotle flavored dressing and use that. A creamy cilantro-lime dressing would also work well or even ranch in a pinch.

Is southwest blackened chicken salad a healthy option?

When prepared with fresh ingredients and balanced proportions, Southwest Blackened Chicken Salad can be a nutritious choice. The blackened chicken adds protein, and the vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. The Greek yogurt-based dressing also offers probiotics that are gut-friendly.

Can I find Southwest Blackened Chicken Salad at restaurants or is it primarily a homemade dish?

Many restaurants with a southwestern or Tex-Mex influence may offer Southwest Blackened Chicken Salad on their menus; however, it's also a popular dish to prepare at home due to its unique flavor profile and relatively simple preparation.

How can I make this salad vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and consider adding plant-based protein or additional beans.

Can I prepare Southwest Blackened Chicken Salad in advance?

Yes, this salad is an excellent choice for meal prepping dinner ahead or lunches for the week. Depending on freshness of the vegetables used, this salad stores well for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

Assemble the salad with chicken or keep the chicken separate if you plan to heat it up. Keep the chipotle dressing separate until ready to enjoy. To heat chicken, microwave it for just 10 seconds or so to warm it slightly; however, the chicken is delicious enjoyed chilled as well.

You may also want to freshly slice the avocado to prevent it from turning brown, or use guacamole instead if meal prepping this salad.

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This southwest blackened chicken salad recipe was featured on South Your Mouth!