Description
This High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad is bold, filling, and packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, healthy fats, and Tex-Mex flavor. Designed for meal prep, weight loss, GLP-1-friendly diets, and nutrient-dense lunches, it delivers 35+ grams of protein per serving while staying clean, colorful, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for busy days when you need a wholesome, energizing meal that tastes amazing and keeps you full for hours.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 2 large grilled chicken breasts, cooked & chopped (≈52g protein)
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed (≈15g protein)
- 1 cup sweet corn
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups romaine or mixed greens
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, ≈7g protein)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt (≈4g protein)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Macronutrients (Per Serving):
- Calories: ≈420
- Protein: 38–42g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 24g
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season & grill (or pan-sear) chicken breasts until fully cooked. Let rest, then dice.
- Prep the Veggies: Wash and chop lettuce, tomatoes, pepper, onion, and cilantro. Rinse beans and corn.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, and spices until smooth.
- Assemble: Layer greens, beans, corn, bell pepper, tomatoes, onion, chicken, avocado, cheese, and cilantro.
- Store: Keep dressing and avocado separate until serving. Refrigerate up to 4 days.
Notes
- Add protein fast: Use rotisserie chicken, tuna, eggs, tofu, or chickpeas.
- For vegetarian: Swap chicken for tofu or lentils.
- Add quinoa or farro for extra fiber & plant protein.
- Use cottage cheese as a high-protein topping.
- Store veggies and dressing separately for freshest results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad, High Protein, Meal Prep
- Method: No Cook / Assembly
- Cuisine: Southwest / Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad, GLP1 meals, Weight loss salad, Protein meal prep, Tex-Mex salad