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Grilled chicken salad bowl with corn, black beans, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion on a bed of greens.

Southwest Chicken Salad Bowl – High-Protein, Meal Prep Friendly, and Packed with Flavor

Samantha
This Southwest Chicken Salad Bowl is a high-protein, flavor-packed favorite that's perfect for clean eating and meal prep. With grilled chicken, crunchy veggies, black beans, and a zesty homemade dressing, it's the ultimate nutrient-rich bowl for lunch or dinner. Customizable, gluten-free friendly, and incredibly satisfying—this is a salad you'll actually crave.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Meal Prep
Cuisine American, Tex-Mex
Servings 4 servings
Calories 430 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • 1 cup frozen corn thawed
  • 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
  • ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
  • cup cilantro-lime dressing store-bought or homemade

Instructions
 

  • Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken breasts with olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Grill the Chicken: Grill or pan-sear chicken over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Rest before slicing.
  • Prep the Veggies: While the chicken cooks, chop lettuce, halve tomatoes, thaw corn, and rinse beans.
  • Assemble the Bowls: Start with a bed of lettuce, then layer on corn, black beans, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and sliced chicken.
  • Drizzle and Garnish: Add cilantro-lime dressing and top with fresh cilantro.

Notes

Secret Tips for Southwest Chicken Salad Bowl

1. Marinate the chicken for maximum flavor: For bold, smoky flavor in your Southwest chicken salad bowl, marinate the chicken in lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and garlic for at least 30 minutes—or overnight if meal prepping. It tenderizes the chicken and locks in those zesty Southwest spices.
2. Use grilled or pan-seared chicken for texture: Whether you’re using boneless thighs or breasts, grilling or pan-searing the chicken adds a delicious char that complements the bold ingredients. It’s key to making your high-protein chicken salad bowl taste like it came from your favorite café.
3. Toss the corn for a roasted boost: Char your corn in a dry skillet or under the broiler for a few minutes before adding it to the salad. It brings out natural sweetness and adds depth to your Southwest-inspired meal prep.
4. Add crunch with fresh ingredients: Don’t skip fresh toppings like romaine, bell peppers, or crushed tortilla strips. They balance the creamy elements like avocado or dressing and give your flavor-packed chicken salad that satisfying bite.
5. Spice up the dressing: Blend your creamy dressing with a little chipotle pepper in adobo or smoked paprika for a smoky kick. This extra layer of flavor ties the whole Southwest chicken salad bowl together without overpowering the freshness.
6. Meal prep with components stored separately: Keep your lettuce, chicken, and dressing in separate containers when meal prepping to prevent sogginess. Assemble just before eating for a crisp, satisfying meal prep–friendly salad every time.
7. Don’t forget the fresh lime finish: A quick squeeze of lime right before serving brightens all the flavors in this high-protein salad and enhances the Southwest spices. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference.
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