Smoky Southwest Chicken Salad

         

Smoky Southwest Chicken Salad

A colorful and flavorful salad with smoky chipotle-glazed chicken and a creamy queso-based dressing. (Avocado was added after the photo was taken!)

Ingredients

• 2–3 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 can black beans, rinsed
• 1/2 can corn (Trader Joe’s Roasted Frozen Corn is preferred over canned if available)
• 1 red or green bell pepper, diced (red preferred)
• 1 avocado, diced
• Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• Grilled chicken breasts
• Tortilla chips or salad strips (for topping)
• Fresh cilantro and green onions (for garnish)

Chipotle-Glazed Chicken:

Grill chicken until golden and cooked through.

1. In the last few minutes of cooking, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup roasted chipotle salsa to the pan.
2. Let it simmer and glaze over the chicken for extra flavor.

Smoky Southwest Dressing:

• Mild Queso cheese
• Creamy French dressing
• Roasted chipotle salsa I prefer Arriba brand 

Instructions:

1. Combine nearly equal parts of each ingredient (adjust to taste — go a little heavier on the queso if desired).
2. Mix well until smooth and creamy

To Assemble:

1. In a large bowl or individual servings, layer romaine, beans, corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, and avocado.
2. Slice or dice the chipotle-glazed chicken and add to the salad.
3. Drizzle generously with the Smoky Southwest Dressing.
4. Top with tortilla strips or chips.
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro and green onion.