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Spicy Southwest Salad

Better Than Takeout: Copycat Chick-fil-A Spicy Southwest Salad


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  • Author: Olivia Hartwellen
  • Total Time: 30 minutes active
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Chick-fil-A–inspired Spicy Southwest Salad is bold, colorful, and packed with flavor. Grilled, chili-lime chicken tops a vibrant mix of greens, roasted corn, sautéed peppers, beans, cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips. Drizzled with a creamy salsa dressing, this crave-worthy copycat delivers everything you love—no drive-thru needed.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (30 ml)

  • 2 tbsp lime juice (30 ml)

  • 4 stems cilantro

  • 3 tsp minced garlic

  • 1 tsp cumin seeds or 1/2 tsp ground cumin

Chicken Seasoning:

  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp chili powder

  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley

  • 1/4 tsp onion powder

  • 1/4 tsp ground cumin

Salad Fixings:

  • 1 ear corn

  • 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved

  • 2 poblano peppers, chopped

  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

  • 3 cups mixed greens

  • 3 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese (85 g)

  • 3 oz shredded cheddar cheese (85 g)

  • 1 cup tortilla strips

  • 1/4 cup chili lime pepitas (60 ml)

Creamy Salsa Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup salsa (120 ml)

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (60 ml)

  • 1/4 cup sour cream (60 ml)

  • 2 tbsp lime juice (30 ml)

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper


Instructions

  • Marinate Chicken: In a ziplock bag, mix olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and cumin. Add chicken and refrigerate 1 hour.

  • Make Dressing: Blend salsa, mayo, sour cream, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth. Chill.

  • Roast Corn: Brush with oil, season, and roast over high heat 2 minutes per side. Cut kernels off.

  • Sauté Veggies: Cook tomatoes, poblanos, and bell pepper for 5 minutes. Add corn and cook 2 more minutes.

  • Grill Chicken: Mix seasoning spices. Coat chicken, flatten slightly, and grill 5 minutes per side. Let rest and slice.

  • Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, layer greens, beans, sautéed veggies, cheeses, and grilled chicken.

  • Top & Serve: Add tortilla strips and pepitas. Drizzle with creamy salsa dressing or serve on the side.

Notes

Use pre-cooked grilled chicken and canned corn to save time.

Swap cotija, queso fresco, or another cheese for variety.

Make extra dressing—it doubles as a great dip or taco sauce.

Keep salad components separate for best storage results.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Salad
  • Method: Grilling, Sautéing, Assembling
  • Cuisine: Southwest / Tex-Mex