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Jack In The Box Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe

Jack In The Box Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe

Sarah Brown
I remember the first time I had the chance to try the Southwest Chicken Salad at Jack in the Box. It was a sunny afternoon; I was craving something fresh and flavorful.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large bowl

Ingredients
  

SALAD

  • 2 ripe avocados diced or sliced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 ½ cups black beans drained and rinsed
  • Corn from 2 ears of fresh sweet corn either raw or roasted
  • 1/4 cup finely minced red onion
  • 2 heads Romaine lettuce chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup Mexican cheese blend
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • Tortilla chips slightly crushed, or tortilla strips to taste (the more, the better!)
  • 1/2 cup roasted salted pepitas or sunflower seeds
  • 1 recipe Chili Lime Chicken click for recipe

DRESSING

  • 1 recipe Chipotle Ranch Dressing

Instructions
 

  • Creating the Jack in the Box Southwest Chicken Salad at home can be a fun and fulfilling experience. Now we’ll break down the steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Start by marinating the chicken in a chili lime spice mixture. You can use chicken breasts or thighs based on preference. Grill until fully cooked, and allow it to rest before slicing. Cooking the chicken this way enhances its flavor and keeps it juicy.

Step 2: Chop the Veggies

  • While your chicken is resting, wash and chop the Romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Dice the avocados and set them aside to prevent browning. Each ingredient adds a unique texture and flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

  • In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, black beans, corn, diced avocados, and cherry tomatoes. Scatter the diced red onion to keep everything colorful. This salad is all about layering flavors.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Toppings

  • Slice the grilled chicken and arrange it on top of the salad. Sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend and chopped cilantro over everything. For the final touch, add the tortilla chips and pepitas, giving it a delightful crunch.

Step 5: Dress the Salad

  • Just before serving, drizzle your homemade chipotle ranch dressing atop the salad. Toss gently to combine, and voila! Your Southwest Chicken Salad is ready to be enjoyed.

Notes

Here are five tips to ensure your Southwest Chicken Salad turns out perfectly:
  • Use fresh produce: Fresh veggies make a significant difference in flavor. Visit your local farmer’s market for the best options.
  • Let the chicken rest: Resting the chicken after cooking helps retain its juices. Don’t skip this step.
  • Customize the dressing: If chipotle ranch isn’t your thing, any zesty vinaigrette will work. Experiment with different flavors.
  • Add extra toppings: Consider sliced jalapeños or olives for added spice. Your salad, your rules!
  • Prep in advance: Pre-chop your veggies and cook the chicken a day ahead. This saves time when you’re ready to eat.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 18gFiber: 12gSugar: 3g
Keyword Jack In The Box Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe
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