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Spicy Southwest Salad (Copycat Chick-fil-A Style)

A bold and flavorful salad loaded with spicy grilled chicken, black beans, corn, cheese, and creamy salsa dressing.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southwest
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Spicy Grilled Chicken
  • 2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp cumin
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Salad Base
  • 6 cups romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup roasted corn
  • 0.5 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • 0.5 cup tortilla strips
Creamy Salsa Dressing
  • 0.5 cup ranch dressing
  • 0.25 cup salsa
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp honey

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Grill pan or outdoor grill
  • Whisk
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Season chicken with oil and spices. Marinate 15 minutes.
  2. Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 165°F.
  3. Rest chicken 5 minutes, then slice.
  4. Whisk dressing ingredients until smooth.
  5. Layer lettuce and toppings in a bowl.
  6. Top with sliced chicken and tortilla strips.
  7. Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately.

Notes

Store components separately for meal prep.