This Southwest Chicken Salad with Spicy Ranch Dressing is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines juicy marinated chicken with fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and a zesty dressing. Topped with crunchy tortilla strips and garnished with cilantro, it’s a perfect meal for a light lunch or dinner. The marinade brings the chicken to life with the tang of lime, sweetness from honey, and a kick from chili powder, while the spicy ranch dressing adds an irresistible heat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is a fantastic balance of textures and flavors. The marinated chicken is tender and flavorful, complemented by the crispness of fresh veggies like tomatoes, bell peppers, and lettuce. The creamy avocado and corn bring sweetness and richness, while the spicy ranch dressing gives it a bold, tangy kick. Topped with crunchy tortilla strips and a sprinkle of cilantro, it’s a deliciously satisfying salad that’s as easy to make as it is flavorful.

Southwest Chicken Salad with Spicy Ranch Dressing

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

1 lime, juiced and zested
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp avocado oil
2 chicken breasts

For the Spicy Ranch Dressing:

½ cup ranch dressing
2-3 tbsp hot sauce of choice (I used Chipotle Cholula)

For the Salad:

1 head green leaf lettuce, chopped
2 tomatoes, diced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2 avocados, sliced
1 cup corn
½ red onion, sliced
½ cup tortilla strips
Cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Chicken Marinade:

Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine lime juice, lime zest, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, honey, and avocado oil. Stir well to mix.
Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to let the flavors soak in.

For the Spicy Ranch Dressing:

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing and hot sauce. Stir to combine. Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your preferred spice level.
Chill: Set the dressing aside or refrigerate it for a few minutes before serving.

For the Salad:

Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or regular pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the marinated chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Prepare the Salad: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the salad ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, black beans, red bell pepper slices, avocado, corn, and red onion.
Assemble the Salad: Toss the salad ingredients together gently. Top with the sliced chicken, tortilla strips, and cilantro. Drizzle the spicy ranch dressing over the top, and serve with lime wedges on the side for extra tang.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe serves 2-4 people, depending on portion sizes.
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes for marinating)
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Grilled Chicken: If you prefer grilling the chicken, you can easily cook it on an outdoor grill or grill pan for added flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this salad.
Dressing Options: If you prefer a milder dressing, use a regular ranch dressing without the hot sauce or try adding a bit of lime juice and cilantro for extra freshness.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to include more vegetables like cucumbers, shredded carrots, or even roasted sweet potatoes for a more filling salad.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover chicken and salad components separately in airtight containers. The salad itself is best consumed fresh, but the chicken will stay good in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Reheating: To reheat the chicken, warm it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat in a pan over low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to wait to assemble it until just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp. Keep the dressing separate to avoid wilting the salad.

Can I substitute the hot sauce in the dressing?

Yes! You can use your favorite hot sauce, sriracha, or even a smoky chipotle sauce if you like more heat.

What can I use instead of avocado?

If you’re not a fan of avocado, you can replace it with diced cucumber, roasted sweet potato, or a dollop of guacamole.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, grilled shrimp, steak, or even blackened fish would work wonderfully in this salad if you prefer a different protein.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat, add more hot sauce to the dressing, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the chicken, or use a spicy chili powder in the marinade.

Can I make the spicy ranch dressing without ranch dressing?

Yes, you can make a homemade ranch dressing using Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and seasoning, then mix it with your desired hot sauce for the same effect.

How do I prevent the lettuce from wilting?

To keep the lettuce crisp, avoid dressing the salad until just before serving. If you plan to store it, keep the dressing and salad components separate.

Can I add other fruits to the salad?

Absolutely! Mango or pineapple would add a nice tropical twist to the salad and pair well with the spicy ranch dressing.

What can I serve this salad with?

This salad is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs well with tortilla chips, cornbread, or a side of rice.

How do I make this salad more filling?

To make the salad more filling, you can add grains like quinoa or brown rice, or include additional beans such as kidney beans or chickpeas.

Conclusion

This Southwest Chicken Salad with Spicy Ranch Dressing is a deliciously balanced dish that hits all the right notes—tender, flavorful chicken, fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and a zesty, spicy dressing. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing meal or something that’s both light and satisfying, this salad will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a potluck, it’s a flavorful option that’s both healthy and indulgent at the same time!