Craving a salad that's anything but boring? Get ready to transform your mealtime with this mouthwatering Southwestern Chicken Cobb Salad that packs a punch of flavor in every single bite! Imagine a vibrant blend of fresh greens, juicy chicken, creamy avocado, and a zesty cilantro lime dressing that will transport your senses straight to the heart of Mexico. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing dish that screams summer, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup corn, cooked
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- For the dressing: 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of mixed greens. This can include a blend of romaine, spinach, and arugula for added texture and flavor.
- Add the cooked corn to the bowl. If using frozen corn, ensure it is thawed and drained before adding.
- Next, add the diced avocado to the salad. To dice the avocado, cut it in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh out with a spoon before cutting it into cubes.
- Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes into the salad. These add a burst of sweetness and color.
- Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the salad mixture for a fresh, herbal note.
- To make the cilantro lime dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup of lime juice and 1/4 cup of olive oil until well combined.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Drizzle the cilantro lime dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl.
- Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the avocado.
- Once well mixed, divide the salad among four serving plates or bowls.
- For an extra touch, you can garnish each serving with additional cilantro or a wedge of lime if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Southwestern Chicken Cobb Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, grill or season your chicken breasts with a Southwest-style spice blend before dicing.
- Use fresh, ripe avocados for the creamiest texture - look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure.
- If possible, use freshly squeezed lime juice for the dressing to enhance the bright, citrusy flavor.
- To keep your salad crisp, add the dressing just before serving and toss gently to prevent wilting.
- For a protein boost, consider adding black beans or grilled corn to make the salad even more substantial.
- Prep ingredients in advance and store separately to maintain freshness and assemble quickly when ready to eat.
- For a low-carb version, swap mixed greens with cauliflower rice or additional leafy greens.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
