Name: Spicy Southwest Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: ½ small chicken breast; 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning; 1 Tablespoon avocado oil; 1 ½ cups chopped romaine lettuce; 4 cherry tomatoes; ¼ cup black beans (drained and rinsed); ¼ cup corn; 1/8 cup black olives; 4 slices bell peppers (any color); 1 jalapeno pepper (seeded and diced); 2 Tablespoons guacamole; 2 Tablespoons sour cream; 2 sprigs fresh cilantro; ¼ cup tortilla strips; ½ cup Mexican cheese (shredded); 2 Tablespoons Cilantro Lime Dressing; 2 lime wedges (optional)

If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with bold flavors, you’re in for a treat with this Spicy Southwest Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of seasoned chicken, crisp veggies, and a zesty dressing that’ll brighten up your lunch or dinner plate.

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad layered with green lettuce on the bottom, topped with golden brown grilled chicken slices placed in the center. Surrounding the chicken are bright yellow corn kernels, black beans, sliced black olives, and red cherry tomatoes. There are also light beige crispy tortilla strips on top, with small lime wedges on one side and a small dollop of white sour cream near the chicken. Fresh green cilantro and guacamole add a bright green touch to the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a fork and a small green sauce bowl blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Southwest Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Southwest Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Southwest Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this salad quickly became one of my go-tos on busy days. It’s hearty enough to fill you up but still light and refreshing. Plus, the homemade cilantro lime dressing adds a punch of brightness you’ll look forward to with every bite.

Bold Southwestern Flavors: The taco-seasoned chicken lends an irresistible smoky, spicy kick.
Fresh & Crisp Ingredients: Loaded with veggies like romaine, corn, and jalapeño for great texture and flavor.
Easy to Customize: You can swap the protein or dial down the heat based on your taste.
Ready in 20 Minutes: Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you get chopping, gathering fresh ingredients is key—especially for the veggies and cilantro lime dressing. A good taco seasoning blend and fresh chicken breast take this salad to the next level.

Flat lay of a half small raw chicken breast seasoned with reddish-brown taco seasoning powder, a small white bowl of golden avocado oil, a large portion of chopped green romaine lettuce, four shiny red cherry tomatoes, a small pile of shiny black beans, a small pile of bright yellow corn kernels, a small pile of glossy black olives, four slices of vibrant red and yellow bell peppers, one fresh green jalapeno pepper, a dollop of smooth green guacamole on a white ceramic dish, a dollop of creamy white sour cream on a small white bowl, two fresh bright green cilantro sprigs, a small mound of crispy golden tortilla strips, a small heap of shredded pale yellow Mexican cheese, a small white bowl containing light green cilantro lime dressing, and two fresh lime wedges with bright green skin and juicy pulp — all neatly arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Small chicken breast: The star protein that soaks up all those southwestern spices perfectly.
Taco seasoning: Adds that signature smoky-spicy flavor that makes the chicken pop.
Avocado oil: Great for frying thanks to its high smoke point and mild taste.
Romaine lettuce: Provides a crisp, sturdy base that holds up well against the hearty toppings.
Cherry tomatoes: Burst of sweetness and bright color for balance.
Black beans: A protein-packed, creamy addition that complements the chicken.
Corn: Adds a little natural sweetness and crunch.
Black olives: Briny flavor contrast essential to southwestern salads.
Bell peppers: Bright, crunchy, and full of fresh flavor.
Jalapeño pepper: Delivers a fresh, moderate heat—seeded for just the right kick.
Guacamole: Creamy richness that ties the salad together.
Sour cream: Adds mellow tang and helps balance the spiciness.
Fresh cilantro: Key herb for that bright, citrusy southwestern flavor.
Tortilla strips: Crunchy topping that adds great texture.
Mexican cheese: Melted and shredded for savory depth.
Cilantro Lime Dressing: Zesty finishing touch that livens up every bite.
Lime wedges (optional): Squeeze over to amp up the fresh citrus notes.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Spicy Southwest Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe is how easily it adapts to your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you want to turn up the heat, swap out proteins, or add fresh seasonal veggies, this salad welcomes your creativity with open arms.

Vegetarian Variation: I love swapping out the chicken for grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas. It’s a fantastic way to keep the protein punch while catering to plant-based diets. The texture twist adds a whole new layer of enjoyment!
Mild Version: If spicy isn’t your thing, simply omit the jalapeño or replace it with a small amount of diced bell pepper for crunch without the heat. It still retains that vibrant Southwestern flair without overwhelming your palate.
Seasonal Twist: During summer, I love adding diced fresh mango or ripe avocado for an extra creamy and sweet component. It balances perfectly with the zesty Cilantro Lime Dressing and adds a refreshing burst of flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Southwest Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe

The image shows two pieces of cooked chicken breast on the left side with a golden brown, slightly crispy texture and some darker browned spots, placed on a black pan surface. On the right side, the same two chicken breasts are sliced and arranged neatly on a white plate. Each chicken breast is cut into several even thick slices, showing tender white meat inside with the golden brown seasoned crust on the outside. The background surface is white marble. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, generously coat both sides of ½ a small chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. I recommend pressing the seasoning into the chicken to really lock in those bold Southwestern flavors.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Place the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet and let it cook undisturbed for 5 minutes. You'll know it's ready to flip when it releases easily and has formed a beautiful deep golden brown crust. This sear locks in the juiciness and builds flavor — a critical step you don’t want to rush!

Step 3: Finish Cooking the Chicken

Once flipped, cook the other side for 4 to 5 more minutes. If your skillet is hotter than you'd like, reduce the heat slightly to avoid burning. The goal is juicy, cooked-through chicken — it should feel firm but springy to the touch.

Step 4: Let the Chicken Rest

Remove the chicken from the heat and let it sit for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making every bite tender and flavorful. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference!

Step 5: Build Your Vibrant Salad

Grab a large bowl or even a pie dish and start by layering 1 ½ cups of chopped romaine lettuce. Then, evenly top with 4 cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup black beans (drained and rinsed), ¼ cup corn, ⅛ cup black olives, 4 slices of colorful bell peppers, and the diced jalapeño. Add 2 tablespoons each of guacamole and sour cream, a couple sprigs of fresh cilantro, ¼ cup crunchy tortilla strips, ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese, and finish with the sliced cooked chicken.

Step 6: Drizzle Dressing and Serve

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the zesty Cilantro Lime Dressing over the assembled salad. Serve it right away, alongside 2 lime wedges if you want that extra fresh citrus boost. The combination of flavors and textures here is what makes this salad so irresistibly satisfying.

Top Tip

To get the most out of your Spicy Southwest Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe, these tips will help you enhance flavors, textures, and ease the cooking process.

Season Generously: I’ve found that coating the chicken breast thoroughly with the taco seasoning really brings out that bold Southwestern kick that makes this salad unforgettable.
Don’t Rush Resting: Letting the chicken rest for a full 5 minutes after cooking is a game-changer — it keeps the meat juicy and tender when you slice it.
Fresh is Best: Adding the tortilla strips and dressing just before serving keeps the salad crisp and prevents sogginess, so always assemble at the last moment.
Adjust the Heat: Early on, I learned to seed the jalapeño carefully — it’s the perfect balance of spice without overwhelming the other flavors.

How to Serve Spicy Southwest Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe

A white bowl filled with a colorful layered salad sits on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer consists of green leafy lettuce and slices of avocado around the edges. On top of that, there are sections of yellow corn, black beans, sliced black olives, grape tomatoes, red bell pepper strips, shredded cheese, and a dollop of white sour cream. In the center, there are chunks of grilled chicken with a light brown char. A woman's hand is holding a spoon above the bowl, pouring creamy green sauce over the chicken. Lime wedges are placed next to the bowl on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For an added pop of color and freshness, try garnishing your salad with extra sprigs of cilantro and a sprinkle of finely diced red onion. A light dusting of smoked paprika or a few extra lime wedges on the side are perfect for anyone who loves an extra tangy, smoky flavor boost.

Side Dishes

This hearty salad pairs wonderfully with simple sides like warm corn tortillas or a side of seasoned black beans. For a refreshing complement, serve alongside chilled Mexican street corn or a crisp cucumber and avocado salad to keep the meal light and vibrant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it juicy and fresh. You can keep the salad base and toppings in another container but add the tortilla strips and dressing only when you’re ready to serve to maintain crunch and flavor.

Freezing

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked chicken seasoned with taco seasoning for up to 2 months. Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container without the salad components, then thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and assembling your salad.

Reheating

Reheat the stored chicken gently over medium heat in a skillet, or microwave it in short bursts to preserve its juiciness. Avoid reheating the salad itself, as the fresh vegetables and greens won’t hold up well to heat.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas to keep it hearty and delicious while making it vegetarian-friendly.

How spicy is this salad?

The salad has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the jalapeño pepper and taco seasoning, but you can easily adjust the spice by removing the jalapeño seeds or omitting it altogether for a milder version.

Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The Cilantro Lime Dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good shake or stir before drizzling over the salad.

What’s the best way to keep the tortilla strips crispy?

Keep the tortilla strips separate and add them just before serving. If you want to make your own, bake them until golden and let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

Creating this Spicy Southwest Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe has become one of my favorite quick meals to enjoy when craving bold, fresh flavors without fuss. The combination of juicy seasoned chicken, crisp veggies, and zesty dressing is pure magic—perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you want something satisfying and vibrant. I hope you love making and sharing this salad as much as I do!