• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Fresh Water Peaches
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Lifestyle
    • Shop
  • About Me
  • Contact
    • Work With Me
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About Me
  • Lifestyle
  • Shop
  • Work With Me!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About Me
    • Lifestyle
    • Shop
    • Work With Me!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Salads

    Southwest Chicken Taco Salad Recipe

    Published: Sep 19, 2022 by Mariah Mandile

    • Share on Twitter
    • Share on Facebook
    • Share on Pinterest
    • Share via Email
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Southwest Chicken Taco Salad is bursting with flavor in every bite! It's a healthy and filling meal that the whole family will love! Plus, it's a great option for anyone who is gluten-free or dairy-free.

    Southwest chicken salad in a white bowl.

    Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you choose to purchase through qualifying links.

    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this recipe!
    • 🍴Ingredient Notes
    • 🍴Step by Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • How to store leftovers
    • Recipe
    • Want more recipes?

    Why you'll love this recipe!

    • It's made with healthy, nourishing ingredients.
    • Easily customizable.
    • Gluten-Free + Dairy-Free.
    • Great for meal prep.
    • Can feed a large family or group.

    🍴Ingredient Notes

    Southwest salad ingredients measured out.
    • Chicken Breast - I love using Butcher Box chicken breast. You can cook the chicken on a grill or in a skillet.
    • Primal Kitchen Cilantro Lime Dressing - Any cilantro lime dressing will work! If you want to make your own mixture, combine lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
    • Freshly Chopped Cilantro - The fresh cilantro adds a punch of flavor! Use in the chicken marinade and as a garnish for the salads.
    • Corn on the Cobb - For best flavor, I suggest grilling the corn. You can also roast it in the oven or boil it.
    • Romaine Lettuce - Any fresh lettuce will work, but romaine gives this salad a nice crunch.
    • Avocado - I love using fresh avocado slices, but you can also swap for pre-made guacamole.
    • Cherry Tomatoes - Any small tomatoes will work with this recipe.
    • Red Onion - For a less potent flavor, dice onions and let them soak in a bowl of water for about 10 minutes. Drain the water before serving!

    🍴Step by Step Instructions

    Step 1: Preparing Chicken

    Pat dry chicken breast with a paper towel then add the chicken into a bowl with cilantro lime dressing. Stir around until evenly coated and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes.

    Chicken marinating in cilantro lime dressing.

    Step 2: Preparing Corn

    Next, peel corn but leave the husk on! Tie it with twine to make a "handle" for grilling. (You can also boil or roast corn.)

    Grilled corn and grilled chicken on a baking sheet.

    Step 3: Grilling

    1. Pre-heat grill to 375 degrees. Grill corn for about 10-15 minutes.
    2. After about 10-15 minutes, flip the corn and add marinated chicken to the grill.
    3. Grill the corn until charred on all sides, and chicken until cooked thoroughly through. (You should not see any pink!) Cut chicken into bite sized pieces and use a knife to carefully remove corn from the cobb.
    Chopped chicken and grilled corn.

    Step 4: Assemble Salad

    To assemble salads, add chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, sliced avocado, chicken breast, and corn. Drizzle on cilantro lime dressing, and a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro. Enjoy!

    Southwest chicken taco bowls.

    Expert Tips

    • If you don't have a grill, you can also roast corn in the oven or boil it in a pot on the stovetop. Chicken can also be cooked in a skillet on the stovetop.
    • Get creative with toppings! Add guacamole, jalapenos, black beans, or cilantro rice.
    • To serve a crowd, make the salad in a large serving bowl!
    • For self-serve, place all toppings in small bowls and let guests make their own individual salads!
    • For meal prep, add dressing and toppings to the bottom of a container followed by lettuce on top. (To prevent it from getting soggy.) Place in the refrigerator until you're ready to grab and go!
    • To keep chicken from getting dry, do not cut until you're ready to serve!
    Southwest chicken taco salads with fresh lime wedges.

    How to store leftovers

    Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container - I like using glass containers! You can also cover the serving bowl with plastic or reusable wrap.

    More grilling recipes!

    • Healthy Grilled Steak Kabobs
    • BBQ Chicken Grilled Stuffed Peppers
    • Spicy Chicken Tacos with Grilled Corn
    • Steak Caesar Salad (Gluten-Free)

    After you make this Southwest Chicken Taco Salad, make sure to leave a comment & rate the recipe!

    Recipe

    Southwest chicken salad in a white bowl.

    Southwest Chicken Taco Salad Recipe

    This Southwest Chicken Taco Salad is bursting with flavor in every bite! It's a healthy and filling meal that the whole family will love! Plus, it's a great option for anyone who is gluten-free or dairy-free.
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course Main Course, Salad
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 410 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Cilantro Chicken

    • 1 Pound Chicken Breast
    • ⅓ Cup Primal Kitchen Cilantro Lime Dressing Or any cilantro lime dressing!
    • 2 Tablespoons Freshly Chopped Cilantro

    Vegetables

    • 3 Corn on the Cobb
    • 10-12 Cups Romaine Lettuce
    • 2 Avocados
    • 1+½ Cups Cherry Tomatoes
    • ⅓ Cup Red Onion, Diced

    Instructions
     

    Preparing Chicken

    • Pat dry chicken breast with a paper towel then add the chicken into a bowl with cilantro lime dressing. Stir around until evenly coated and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes.

    Preparing Corn

    • Next, peel corn but leave the husk on! Tie it with twine to make a "handle" for grilling. (You can also boil or roast corn.)

    Grilling

    • Pre-heat grill to 375 degrees. Grill corn for about 10-15 minutes.
    • After about 10-15 minutes, flip the corn and add marinated chicken to the grill.
    • Grill the corn until charred on all sides, and chicken until cooked thoroughly through. (You should not see any pink!) Cut chicken into bite sized pieces and use a knife to carefully remove corn from the cobb.

    Assemble Salad

    • To assemble salads, add chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, sliced avocado, chicken breast, and corn. Drizzle on cilantro lime dressing, and a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro. Enjoy!

    Notes

    ** Nutrition facts do not reflect the cilantro lime dressing. 

    Expert Tips

    • If you don't have a grill, you can also roast corn in the oven or boil it in a pot on the stovetop. Chicken can also be cooked in a skillet on the stovetop.
    • Get creative with toppings! Add guacamole, jalapenos, black beans, or cilantro rice.
    • To serve a crowd, make the salad in a large serving bowl!
    • For self-serve, place all toppings in small bowls and let guests make their own individual salads!
    • For meal prep, add dressing and toppings to the bottom of a container followed by lettuce on top. (To prevent it from getting soggy.) Place in the refrigerator until you're ready to grab and go!
    • To keep chicken from getting dry, do not cut until you're ready to serve!
    See full post for step-by-step photos and more helpful information!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ServingCalories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 32gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 181mgPotassium: 1847mgFiber: 12gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 11557IUVitamin C: 68mgCalcium: 84mgIron: 4mg
    Keywords chicken taco salad, healthy southwest salad, how to make a taco salad, southwest chicken taco salad
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @freshwaterpeaches on Instagram!

    Want more recipes?

    Check out my recipe box where you can browse by season, diet, and flavor!

    Recipe Index

    More Salads

    • Healthy Green Apple Salad
    • Lemon Orzo Salad
    • Pesto Orzo Salad
    • Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Girl with blonde hair holding coffee cup.

    Hi, I'm Mariah!

    Welcome! I'm so happy you're here. My name is Mariah - I'm a holistic health coach and recipe developer based in Connecticut. I love all things gut health, clean living, and I have a slight obsession with chocolate! Here you'll find simple and easy to make gluten-free, dairy-free recipes that your whole family will love!

    Winter Recipes!

    • Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe
    • Gingerbread Cookie Bars (Gluten-Free)
    • Gingerbread Cookie Sandwiches (Gluten-Free)
    • Apple Crumble Muffins (Gluten-Free)

    Trending Recipes!

    • Dairy Free Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli
    • Buffalo Chicken Casserole with Cauliflower (Dairy-Free)
    • Cassava Flour Bread (Paleo)
    • Almond Flour Vanilla Cake

    No-Bake Recipes!

    • Frozen Banana Bites
    • Gluten-Free Chocolate Mousse (Vegan)
    • Cookie Dough Truffles (Gluten-Free)
    • No-Bake Cereal Cookies

    Want healthy recipes sent right to your inbox? Join the newsletter to get my FREE eBook with 6 Gluten-Free + Dairy-Free Recipes!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Contact me!

    Send me a message!

    Stay up to date!

    Join my newsletter to get healthy recipes sent right to your inbox!

    Work with me!

    Work With Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2020 Fresh Water Peaches all rights reserved.