Jack In The Box Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe
Ah, the warm sun shining down, children playing, and the tantalizing smell of grilled chicken in the air. You might be thinking, “What’s the star of this summer feast?” If you haven’t guessed it yet, I’m here to convince you that the Jack in the Box Southwest Chicken Salad deserves a front-row seat at your table.
Equipment
- grill or skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb skinless boneless chicken breast (2 pieces)
- 1/2 red onion peeled and chopped
- 10 tablespoons Southwest Ranch Dressing preferably yogurt-based
- 2-3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning or one 1.3-ounce packet of store-bought taco seasoning
- 1 quart grape or cherry tomatoes halved
- 3 bell peppers any color, seeded and diced
- 5 ounces chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup canned black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 ripe avocado diced
- Fresh lime juice to taste
- 3 jalapeño cheese sticks chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin for a warm spice note
- 1/4 cup corn kernels for added sweetness and texture
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Start by seasoning your chicken breast. You’ll want to rub the taco seasoning all over the meat. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking, then slice it thinly.
Step 2: Chop Up the Veggies
- While your chicken is cooling, it’s time to dice and chop. Take your bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Don’t rush this part; you want a mix of colors for that visual appeal.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce as your base. Then layer on the black beans, diced avocado, corn kernels, and all those lovely vegetables. Finally, toss in the sliced chicken.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
- Drizzle in the Southwest Ranch Dressing. The yogurt-based dressing adds a creamy texture without the extra calories of traditional dressings. Toss gently to ensure everyone is properly coated.
Step 5: Serve it Up
- Now it’s time to enjoy! Serve the salad in bowls, topped with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and the chopped jalapeño cheese sticks for an extra kick. For that crunch factor, add tortilla chips on the side or even crumbled on top!
Notes
To ensure your Southwest Chicken Salad stands out, consider these handy tips:
- Cook Extra Chicken: Grill a few more pieces of chicken for later meals. It stores well and can elevate a simple sandwich or wrap.
- Customize Your Dressing: If Southwest Ranch isn’t your thing, try a cilantro-lime dressing for a fresh twist!
- Keep Your Avocado Fresh: To prevent browning, sprinkle a little lime juice on the cut avocado before adding it to the salad.
- Make it a Meal Prep Star: Package the salad in mason jars. Start with the dressing at the bottom, then add your toppings. When you’re ready to eat, just shake it up!
- Add More Crunch: Consider incorporating nuts or seeds, like sunflower seeds or chopped almonds, in the mix for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 400kcal
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