Southwestern Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe made of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and fresh greens, topped with nuts and a flavorful dressing serve this colorful dish for a quick, healthy meal. It serves 4 and takes about 20 minutes to prepare.
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🧡 Why You’ll Love This Southwestern Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal cooking.
- Healthy and Filling: Packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables.
- Great for Meal Prep: Perfect for lunch boxes or quick dinners.
- Flavorful and Crunchy: A mix of textures and flavors in every bite.
âť“ What Is Southwestern Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe?
Southwestern Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe is a healthy, vibrant dish made with chopped chicken, fresh vegetables, and nuts. It’s topped with a zesty dressing, making it perfect for quick meals or meal prep.
🍗 Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely sliced
- 1 cup corn kernels
- ½ cup avocado, diced
- ÂĽ cup mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
- ÂĽ cup feta cheese or Parmesan (optional)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
🥗 Instructions:
- Use shredded or cubed cooked chicken breast. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and olive oil if desired.
- Chop lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, onion, and avocado into small, even pieces for easier bites.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, chopped vegetables, and corn.
- Sprinkle mixed nuts and feta cheese over the salad. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Transfer to serving bowls and enjoy your fresh Chicken Chopped Salad immediately!
đź“Ť Recipe Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s pre-cooked, flavorful, and reduces prep time significantly.
- Toast the Nuts: Lightly toasting walnuts, almonds, or pecans enhances their natural nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad.
- Add Extra Protein: Boost the protein content of your Chicken Chopped Salad by adding boiled eggs, chickpeas, or even cooked quinoa.
- Experiment with Dressings: While lemon-olive oil vinaigrette works perfectly, you can switch it up with other dressings like balsamic vinaigrette, creamy Caesar, ranch, or even honey mustard.
🍵 What To Serve With Chicken Chopped Salad?
Serve Chicken Chopped Salad with warm garlic bread, a bowl of soup, or a light fruit smoothie for a balanced meal it’s also perfect as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish.
🎚 How To Store Leftover Chicken Chopped Salad?
Refrigerate: Store leftover Chicken Chopped Salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to avoid sogginess.
FAQs
What makes Chicken Chopped Salad unique compared to other salads?
Chicken Chopped Salad is unique because all the ingredients, including chicken, vegetables, and toppings, are chopped into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to mix, serve, and enjoy every bite.
What type of chicken is best for Chicken Chopped Salad?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for Chicken Chopped Salad. You can use grilled, roasted, or even rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful addition.
Is Chicken Chopped Salad healthy?
Yes, Chicken Chopped Salad is a healthy dish. It is high in protein from chicken, packed with vitamins and fiber from fresh vegetables, and contains healthy fats from nuts or avocados.
How can I make Chicken Chopped Salad low-carb?
To make a low-carb Chicken Chopped Salad, skip high-carb ingredients like croutons or corn. Use more leafy greens, chicken, avocado, nuts, and seeds to keep it nutritious and satisfying.
How do I keep the Chicken Chopped Salad fresh for meal prep?
For meal prep, store each component of Chicken Chopped Salad (chicken, vegetables, and dressing) separately. Assemble the salad and toss it with dressing just before eating to keep it fresh.
How do I make Chicken Chopped Salad spicy?
To make Chicken Chopped Salad spicy, season the chicken with chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. You can also add jalapeños or a spicy dressing for extra heat.
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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 Serve
- Calories: 322
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
Southwestern Chicken Chopped Salad
Description
Southwestern Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe made of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and fresh greens, topped with nuts and a flavorful dressing serve this colorful dish for a quick, healthy meal. It serves 4 and takes about 20 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use shredded or cubed cooked chicken breast. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and olive oil if desired.
- Chop lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, onion, and avocado into small, even pieces for easier bites.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, chopped vegetables, and corn.
- Sprinkle mixed nuts and feta cheese over the salad. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Transfer to serving bowls and enjoy your fresh Chicken Chopped Salad immediately!
Notes
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s pre-cooked, flavorful, and reduces prep time significantly.
Toast the Nuts: Lightly toasting walnuts, almonds, or pecans enhances their natural nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad.
Add Extra Protein: Boost the protein content of your Chicken Chopped Salad by adding boiled eggs, chickpeas, or even cooked quinoa.
Experiment with Dressings: While lemon-olive oil vinaigrette works perfectly, you can switch it up with other dressings like balsamic vinaigrette, creamy Caesar, ranch, or even honey mustard.