🥗 Chicken Fiesta Salad 🌶️🍗

This Chicken Fiesta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish packed with colorful vegetables, juicy grilled chicken, and a zesty dressing. It’s a perfect meal for lunch or dinner, full of fresh ingredients and bold, Tex-Mex-inspired flavors!

📋 Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 🍗
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 🛢️
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 🌶️
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin 🌿
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
• 6 cups mixed salad greens 🥬
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen) 🌽
• 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained 🫘
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced 🫑
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced 🧅
• 1 avocado, sliced 🥑
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese 🧀
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿
• Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips (optional) for crunch 🌮

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil 🛢️
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 🍋
• 1 tablespoon honey 🍯
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 🍏
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 🌿
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 🌶️
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

📝 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the chicken:

• Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

1. Cook the chicken:

• Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly.

2. Make the Dressing:

1. Whisk the dressing:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Salad:

1. Prepare the salad base:

• In a large salad bowl or individual plates, arrange the mixed greens as the base.

1. Add the toppings:

• Layer the sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, avocado slices, and shredded cheese on top of the greens.

4. Serve:

1. Drizzle the dressing:

• Pour the prepared dressing over the salad, tossing gently to combine.

1. Garnish and enjoy:

• Garnish with fresh cilantro and tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips for added crunch. Serve immediately!

🍽️ Tips:

• Meal prep option: Grill extra chicken to use in salads throughout the week.
• Protein options: Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or steak for a different twist.
• Spice it up: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños for extra heat.

⏱️ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 15 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4
🔥 Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving

This Chicken Fiesta Salad is a fresh, zesty, and satisfying meal with the perfect balance of textures and flavors! 🌶️🥑🍗