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Grilled Southwest Chicken Power Salad & Chipotle Ranch

Grilled Southwest Chicken Power Salad & Chipotle Ranch Bliss

A colorful Grilled Southwest Chicken Power Salad & Chipotle Ranch packed with flavors and nutrients.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breasts or Thighs Substitute with firm tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Use avocado oil for a higher smoke point.
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice Fresh lime juice preferred for flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Chili Powder Swap with taco seasoning for different spice notes.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin Use coriander for a different flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can be used if smokiness isn’t desired.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh alternatives can also be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Fresh alternatives can also be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Substitute with Italian seasoning.
  • to taste Black Pepper Essential for seasoning.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning.
For the Salad Base
  • 4 cups Mixed Greens Romaine or spinach can be great alternatives.
  • 1 can Black Beans Rinse under cold water.
  • 1 cup Corn Use fresh or frozen corn as alternative options.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved.
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers Sliced.
  • 1 medium Avocado Diced.
For the Chipotle Ranch Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce Use chipotle powder as a milder alternative.
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt can be a healthy substitute.
  • 1/2 cup Buttermilk Greek yogurt can be a healthy substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro Omit or substitute with parsley if desired.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Dill Omit if desired.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning.

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Blender
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Marinating and Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl or resealable bag, combine olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated in the marinade. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. In a blender, combine mayonnaise, buttermilk, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, fresh cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld.
Grilling and Assembly
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator, and place it on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has grill marks. Let it rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Wash and dry the mixed greens. Rinse the black beans and corn. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the bell peppers, and dice the avocado.
  3. In a large serving bowl, start with a bed of mixed greens. Layer the sliced grilled chicken on top, followed by the black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, and diced avocado. Drizzle the chilled dressing generously over the salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow the chicken to marinate for up to 4 hours for enhanced flavor. Store components separately to maintain freshness.

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