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So go ahead, dig in, and experience the bold flavors and textures of the Southwest in every bite!
BEST Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
2 Tbsps chili powder
In a small mixing bowl, whisk all ingredients until combined well.
If you’re using this recipe for meal prep, consider adding the avocado immediately before serving.
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Flavorful Southwest Inspired Chicken Salad
Get ready for a party on your plate with this vibrant and nutritious Southwest Chicken Salad!
Our Southwest Chicken Salad provides enjoyment in each bite of texture and flavor, combining the crunch of fresh romaine, the tenderness of shredded chicken, and the creaminess of diced avocado.
The addition of black beans, corn, and celery adds a satisfying crunch, while the green onions and cilantro provide a fresh herby note.
But what really sets this salad apart is its bold and tangy dressing, made with homemade mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, garlic, and apple cider vinegar. The dressing brings all the flavors together and adds a richness that complements the freshness of the vegetables.
And let’s not forget about the nutrition – this salad is a powerhouse of protein, fiber, and vitamins, thanks to the chicken, beans, and vegetables. The avocado adds healthy fats, while the lime juice provides a burst of vitamin C.
This recipe makes 4 servings, so it’s perfect for meal prep cold lunch for the week or enjoy as a quick and easy dinner.
So go ahead, dig in, and experience the bold flavors and textures of the Southwest in every bite!
Here is an excellent poached chicken recipe (perfect for this salad!) :
Homemade Mayonnaise:
➡️ What’s really in those packets?!👀
I love to mix up my own seasonings with organic spices because those little packets of taco seasoning are usually made with canola and soybean oils linked to inflammation, sugar, anti-caking agents, and natural flavors. Not to mention making my own taco seasonings actually tastes better too! YIKES. Many of us grew up with the packets and had no idea!
BEST Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
You’ll never purchase those store-bought packets again, after making it yourself!!
So simple, delicious, and lasts for several months – so double or triple this recipe and keep it handy in a small glass container near your stove.
Ingredients:
2 Tbsps chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp dried oregano
2 tsps paprika
4 tsps ground cumin
2 tsps sea salt
2 tsps ground black pepper
Instructions:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk all ingredients until combined well.
Store in an airtight container.
To use your homemade spice mix in recipes, start with a smaller sprinkle – taste test to decide the amount of spice for your family’s taste. Usually, 1-2 Tablespoons of seasoning mix is perfect.
🍋 ALWAYS use freshly-squeezed lime juice from an actual fresh lime. Bottled lime juice from the store will give your salad a strange metallic or overly acidic taste. We want this salad fresh & bright!
Want to get the most juice possible from each of your fresh limes? Of course, we do! Here’s a quick trick:
On your counter or a cutting board, press and roll the lime back and forth very firmly with your hands.
The rolling loosens and breaks down some of the citrus membranes and makes the outside a little more pliable. This makes it easier to squeeze which also means you’ll likely get more juice from your squeeze.
Let me know how this works for you!
How to cook your own beans in an instant pot:
4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of romaine, chopped
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and drained if using canned
- 1 cup organic frozen corn, thawed
- 4 celery ribs, sliced
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tsps homemade taco seasoning (recipe above)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- juice of 1 fresh lime
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup homemade mayonnaise
- 1 fresh garlic clove, minced
- 2 tsps apple cider vinegar
- sea salt and ground pepper, to taste
Instructions:
In a small bowl, whisk all of your dressing ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
In a large salad serving bowl, add the romaine, chicken, pepper, beans, corn, celery, onions, and cilantro.
Drizzle with your dressing and gently toss to combine well. Sprinkle with taco seasoning to your taste and stir gently to combine.
Add your diced avocado and squeeze the fresh lime juice over the avocado.
Divide among your plates and enjoy!
Stays good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if sealed tightly and there’s plenty of lime juice on your avocado to keep it green.
If you’re using this recipe for meal prep, consider adding the avocado immediately before serving.
💚Rachel
Flavorful Southwest Inspired Chicken Salad
Category
Dinner
Lunch
Quick 'n Easy
Recipes
Salads
Persons
4
Ingredients
- 1 large head of romaine, chopped
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and drained if using canned
- 1 cup organic frozen corn, thawed
- 4 celery ribs, sliced
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tsps homemade taco seasoning (recipe above)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- juice of 1 fresh lime
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup homemade mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 fresh garlic clove, minced
- 2 tsps apple cider vinegar
- sea salt and ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk all of your dressing ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large salad serving bowl, add the romaine, chicken, pepper, beans, corn, celery, onions, and cilantro.
- Drizzle with your dressing and gently toss to combine well. Sprinkle with taco seasoning to your taste and stir gently to combine.
- Add your diced avocado and squeeze the fresh lime juice over the avocado.
- Divide among your plates and enjoy!
- Stays good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if sealed tightly and there's plenty of lime juice on your avocado to keep it green. If you're using this recipe for meal prep, consider adding the avocado immediately before serving.
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