Delicious Panera-Inspired Southwest Chicken Salad

This Southwest Chicken Salad features bold flavors, inspired by the classic Panera recipe. It’s packed with juicy grilled chicken, avocado, roasted corn, and a spicy chipotle dressing, giving it a zesty and satisfying flavor. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a little kick in their salad.

The Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant dish that brings together grilled chicken, creamy avocado, roasted corn, and crunchy tortilla strips. The chipotle dressing ties all the ingredients together, creating a flavorful meal that’s both hearty and refreshing. It’s a great salad option for anyone craving a bit of spice.

Southwest Chicken Salad

The Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant dish that brings together grilled chicken, creamy avocado, roasted corn, and crunchy tortilla strips.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Salad

Cuisine Southwest United States

Servings 4 people

Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Salad bowl
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 avocado diced
• 1 cup roasted corn
• 1/2 cup black beans rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup red onion diced
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup tortilla strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chipotle powder or sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Preheat your grill to medium heat. Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side, then let it rest before slicing.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, chipotle powder, honey, salt, and pepper.
• In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, avocado, roasted corn, black beans, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
• Top the salad with grilled chicken slices and drizzle with chipotle dressing. Toss everything gently.
• Garnish with tortilla strips and serve immediately.

Notes

- You can make the salad spicier by adding more chipotle powder or some jalapeños.
- For a healthier version, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- This salad pairs well with a fresh lime wedge for added zest.

Keyword avocado chicken salad, Panera-inspired salad, Southwest chicken salad, spicy salad recipe

Nutrition and Calories (per serving):
– Calories: 480

– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Protein: 33g
– Fat: 28g
– Sodium: 850mg
– Sugar: 8g

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @cookwithexperts on Instagram and hashtag it #cookwithexperts.