Get ready to meet your new obsession: the Spicy Southwest Salad (with Spicy Ranch Dressing)! This vibrant dish bursts with color, flavor, and texture in every delicious forkful. Juicy marinated grilled chicken, crunchy veggies, black beans, creamy avocado, and a swirl of tortilla strips all come together under a fiery, creamy dressing that’s downright irresistible. It’s an easy dish that feels special, hearty enough for a meal but light and zippy, too. Whether you’re prepping lunch boxes, serving a crowd, or craving a bit more excitement at dinnertime, this Spicy Southwest Salad (with Spicy Ranch Dressing) is your flavorful ticket to salad happiness.

Spicy Southwest Salad (with Spicy Ranch Dressing) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed how these straightforward ingredients, each with their own moment to shine, build a Spicy Southwest Salad (with Spicy Ranch Dressing) that’s fresh, filling, and packed with southwest flair. Gather everything on this list, and you’ll have all the colors and flavors you need!

Lime (zested and juiced): Adds zippy brightness to your marinade and wakes up the entire salad.
Garlic powder: Gives a gentle heat and depth to the chicken marinade.
Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that brings that unmistakable southwest vibe.
Chili powder: The key to smoky, spicy flavor in the chicken.
Salt: Essential for rounding out all the other flavors.
Honey: Balances out the spice with a touch of natural sweetness.
Avocado oil: Keeps the chicken juicy and helps the marinade stick.
Chicken breasts: Lean protein that soaks up all those flavorful spices.
Ranch dressing: The creamy base for your zesty, spicy salad dressing.
Hot sauce (like Chipotle Cholula): Dial up the heat and add irresistible chipotle smokiness.
Green leaf lettuce: Crisp, fresh crunch that provides the perfect leafy foundation.
Tomatoes: Juicy pops of sweetness and color in every bite.
Black beans: Hearty, satisfying, and full of plant-based protein.
Red bell pepper: Sweet and crunchy, plus a burst of vibrant color.
Avocado: Silky richness and healthy fats that make every forkful luxurious.
Corn: Sweet, sunny kernels that balance out all the heat.
Red onion: Adds a bite of sharp, savory crunch.
Tortilla strips: The finishing touch for satisfying crunch in every salad.
Cilantro: Bright herbal aroma that ties the whole southwest experience together.
Lime wedges: For a final squeeze of zing just before serving.

How to Make Spicy Southwest Salad (with Spicy Ranch Dressing)

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start things off by whisking together your marinade: fresh lime juice and zest, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, honey, and avocado oil. Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Let it chill in the fridge anywhere from 8 hours up to 24 hours to soak up all those lively southwest flavors—trust me, the chicken gets so much juicier and more flavorful the longer you wait!

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Heat a grill pan lightly coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Lay the marinated chicken breasts on the hot pan and leave them alone for 5–6 minutes—no poking or flipping back and forth. When the first side has gorgeous grill marks, flip once and cook another 5–6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. This method ensures those classic, smoky grill lines and ridiculously tender chicken. Set it aside to cool for a few minutes, then slice into juicy strips.

Step 3: Make the Spicy Ranch Dressing

While the chicken is cooking, stir together ranch dressing and that smoky, spicy hot sauce in a small bowl. Adjust the heat level to your preference by adding more or less hot sauce. Set aside: this quick blend will become the creamy, fiery ribbon that ties everything together in your Spicy Southwest Salad (with Spicy Ranch Dressing).

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Time to build your salad masterpiece! In each bowl, layer chopped green leaf lettuce as your salad base. Arrange sliced grilled chicken on top, then scatter with diced tomatoes, rinsed black beans, red bell pepper strips, creamy avocado slices, sweet corn, and sharp red onion. Don’t forget a generous sprinkle of tortilla strips for that addictive crunch!

Step 5: Finish and Dress

Drizzle each salad generously with your homemade spicy ranch dressing. For the perfect finish, top with fresh cilantro and a few lime wedges. Squeeze more lime juice over the top just before digging in, and enjoy every bright, spicy, crunchy bite of your Spicy Southwest Salad (with Spicy Ranch Dressing)!

How to Serve Spicy Southwest Salad (with Spicy Ranch Dressing)

Garnishes

Freshness and flair go a long way here! Toss on extra chopped cilantro, a few more cracks of black pepper, and scatter some crunchy tortilla strips on top right before serving. Don’t forget those lime wedges—they add irresistible zip and a pretty pop of green.

Side Dishes

This hearty salad is a meal by itself, but it also shines with southwest-inspired sides. Serve with warm flour tortillas, cheesy quesadillas, or even a platter of sweet potato fries. A tangy fruit salad or grilled corn on the cob would round things out perfectly for a crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

Make it fun by serving your Spicy Southwest Salad (with Spicy Ranch Dressing) in large glass jars for picnic lunches, or layer the ingredients on a big platter for a pretty “salad board” at parties. You can even use the salad as a filling for wraps or pile it atop nachos for a showstopper appetizer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the undressed components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken, veggies, and dressing will all last for up to three days, making this salad perfect for weekly meal prep.

Freezing

For best results, freeze only the cooked, sliced chicken without the salad ingredients. Pack it in a freezer-safe bag and use within two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to throw together another Spicy Southwest Salad (with Spicy Ranch Dressing).

Reheating

Rewarm the chicken gently in the microwave (covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out) or in a skillet until just heated through. Add it to your fresh veggies and enjoy—no need to reheat anything else!

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Grilled shrimp, steak strips, or even spicy baked tofu all work beautifully in the Spicy Southwest Salad (with Spicy Ranch Dressing). Adjust seasonings to taste, and enjoy the twist.

What’s the best hot sauce for the spicy ranch?

You can use any hot sauce you love—Chipotle Cholula gives the dressing smoky depth, but classic Frank’s, Sriracha, or even homemade buffalo sauce will keep things bold and flavorful.

Can I prep the salad ingredients in advance?

Yes! Chop all your veggies and mix the dressing a day ahead. Keep wet ingredients like tomatoes and avocado separate until just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.

How do I make the salad vegetarian?

It’s simple: just leave out the chicken and pump up protein with extra black beans, some grilled tofu, or roasted chickpeas. The flavors and textures will still pop!

Is the Spicy Ranch Dressing gluten-free?

If you use a gluten-free ranch and check your hot sauce labels, the spicy dressing should be completely gluten-free. Also, swap standard tortilla strips for gluten-free varieties to keep the whole salad safe for everyone.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to shake up your salad routine, the Spicy Southwest Salad (with Spicy Ranch Dressing) is guaranteed to become a new favorite. With its bold flavors, gorgeous colors, and just the right amount of heat, it makes healthy eating fun and filling. Give it a try soon—I can’t wait for you to taste how utterly satisfying this salad truly is!

Spicy Southwest Salad (with Spicy Ranch Dressing) Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 21 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Spicy Southwest Salad is a delicious and satisfying meal featuring marinated grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a zesty spicy ranch dressing. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or gallon-sized zip lock, combine the chicken marinade ingredients. Add the chicken breasts, toss until covered, and refrigerate for 8-24 hours.
Grill the Chicken: Spray a grill pan, heat on medium, add chicken breasts, cook for 5-6 minutes on each side. Once cooked, set aside to cool and slice into thin strips.
Make the Dressing: Combine ranch dressing and hot sauce in a bowl, stir until combined, and set aside.
Assemble the Salad: Combine lettuce, chicken, tomatoes, black beans, bell pepper, avocado, corn, red onion, tortilla strips, cilantro, and lime juice. Drizzle with spicy ranch dressing and enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Southwestern