Description
A vibrant and flavorful salad featuring seasoned chicken, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar (or any vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 medium chicken breasts (or 3 small)
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
- 6-8 cups chopped spinach (or romaine)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 cup black beans
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup pepitas
- 1 cup crumbled tortilla chips (or tortilla strips)
- 1/3 cup Southwest Salad Dressing
Instructions
- Mix the marinade ingredients together in a bowl: white wine vinegar, orange juice, avocado oil, minced garlic, cayenne, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in a container and pour the marinade over it, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, add the chopped red bell pepper to the baking sheet and continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- While the chicken and bell pepper are baking, prepare the Southwest dressing by stirring together all the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl. Chop the spinach or romaine and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together the salad ingredients: chopped spinach, grape tomatoes, black beans, corn, and shredded cheese. Make sure to leave out the pepitas and tortilla chips for now.
- Once the chicken and bell peppers are cooked, slice the chicken into strips and combine them with the salad mixture. Toss gently to combine everything.
- Plate the salads into bowls, topping each one with pepitas, crumbled tortilla chips, and a drizzle of the Southwest dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing salad!
Notes
For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Use fresh, high-quality vegetables for optimal taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American