Nut-Free Southwest Chicken Salad

Bursting with bold flavors and vibrant colors, this Nut-Free Southwest Chicken Salad is a fresh and hearty meal that comes together in just 35 minutes. Perfectly spiced, juicy chicken breasts are seasoned with a smoky blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and paprika, then cooked to tender perfection before being paired with a crisp medley of romaine lettuce, sweet corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado. A zesty lime squeeze brightens the dish, while nut-free ranch dressing ties it all together for a creamy, allergy-friendly finish. Whether you're meal prepping or serving it up for lunch or dinner, this protein-packed and gluten-free salad is sure to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 4 cups Romaine lettuce
• 1 cup Corn kernels (cooked or canned, drained)
• 1 cup Black beans (cooked or canned, rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 0.25 cup Cilantro (chopped)
• 0.25 cup Red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 medium Avocado (sliced or diced)
• 1 large Lime (for juicing)
• 0.5 cup Ranch dressing (nut-free)
• 1 teaspoon Hot sauce (optional, for added spice)

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2

Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then coat them evenly with the spice mixture.

Step 3

Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from the heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips or cubes.

Step 4

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the salad base. In a large salad bowl, add the romaine lettuce, corn kernels, black beans, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, red onion, and avocado.

Step 5

Juice the lime over the salad mixture and toss to combine, ensuring the avocado is coated to prevent browning.

Step 6

Add the sliced chicken on top of the salad mix.

Step 7

Drizzle the nut-free ranch dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat. If desired, add a dash of hot sauce for extra spice.

Step 8

Serve immediately and enjoy your nut-free Southwest chicken salad!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1631.4 grams (1631.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2259

Total Fat 134.90g	173%
Saturated Fat 22.60g	113%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.80g
Cholesterol 335mg	112%
Sodium 3626mg	158%
Total Carbohydrate 137.30g	50%
Dietary Fiber 42.60g	152%
Total Sugars 24.30g
Protein 143.50g	287%

Vitamin D 4IU	18%
Calcium 349mg	27%
Iron 16mg	86%
Potassium 3932mg	84%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.9%

Protein: 24.6%

Carbs: 23.5%