Southwest Chicken Salad
A vibrant Southwest Chicken Salad featuring tender marinated chicken, creamy dressings, fresh vegetables, and cilantro, perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal suitable for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Seven Seas Viva Italian dressing ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Seven Seas Viva Ranch dressing ⓘ
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper ⓘ
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 1/4 lb.) ⓘ
- 1 avocado, peeled and cut into chunks ⓘ
- 1 red pepper, cut into strips ⓘ
- 1 1/2 quarts shredded lettuce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro ⓘ
Instructions
- Stir together Seven Seas Viva Italian and Ranch dressings with ground red pepper; reserve 1/2 cup.
- Pour remaining dressing mixture over chicken breasts.
- Cover and marinate in refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours.
- Preheat electric broiler.
- Remove chicken from marinade, reserving marinade.
- Place chicken on greased rack of broiler pan so the top is 4 to 5 inches from heat.
- Broil chicken 10 minutes on each side or until tender, brushing occasionally with reserved marinade.
- Remove chicken from broiler and cut into strips.
- Arrange chicken, avocado chunks, and red pepper strips over shredded lettuce on a large serving platter.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top.
- Serve the salad with the reserved dressing mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead. For spice, adjust the ground red pepper to your taste or substitute with a dash of cayenne. If you prefer a creamy dressing, try using a mix of Greek yogurt with ranch seasoning as a healthier alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This Southwest Chicken Salad pairs beautifully with Texas Style Tortilla Soup for a complete meal. You can serve it with tortilla chips or warm, crusty bread on the side. A refreshing drink like iced tea or a light white wine complements the flavors well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave the chicken strips briefly until warmed through, then serve on fresh lettuce to maintain crispness. You can also enjoy the salad cold, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for lunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwest Chicken Salad contains roughly 1123 calories, with 80g protein, 199g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (1111% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and protein (159% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1204mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components of the salad in advance. Marinate the chicken the night before and broil it just before serving. Keep the avocado and other fresh ingredients separate until ready to serve to ensure they remain fresh and vibrant.
What can I substitute for cilantro?
If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh flavor. Both options will add a nice touch without the strong taste of cilantro, making the salad more appealing to those who prefer milder herbs.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep. Just store the ingredients separately to keep the lettuce crisp and the avocado from browning. Assemble individual servings in jars for an easy grab-and-go lunch option throughout the week.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).