Southwest Chicken Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Salads. We all know that we should be eating more of them. Yet, so often they are dull, lifeless and completely boring.

So today, I bring you the solution to all your salad problems. This beautiful Southwest Chicken Salad with a deliciously Creamy Avocado Dressing.

This salad was part of a collaboration with my good friend Ellie over at Likely Fit. We had so much fun creating this dish and after we were done photographing it, it took literally minutes for us to finish it off, it was SO good!

The dressing is also incredibly easy and uses only a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry/fridge. Plus, it is free of preservatives, artificial flavorings, colorings, etc. Honestly, you could also even use it as a dip for tortilla chips or veggies if you wanted. It has this creamy, tangy, and fresh flavor that is to-die-for!

Throw on some spicy grilled chicken strips, and you have a complete meal that is filled with protein, healthy fats, fiber and tons of fresh vegetables.

Southwest Chicken Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

For the Salad:

• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup spinach
• 1/4 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 avocado, diced
• 1/4 red onion, sliced
• Assorted peppers, sliced
• 2 small chicken breasts, grilled then cut into strips (seasoning recipe below)

1. Layer the lettuce and vegetables
2. Spray a skillet lightly with coconut oil
3. Rub seasoning on both sides of the chicken breast
4. Saute until cooked through and then slice into strips

• 1/2 ripe avocado
• 3/4 cup packed fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• dash of garlic powder

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until completely smooth.
*Store covered in the refrigerator for up to a week!

Southwest Seasoning (for the chicken):

• 2 tbsp. ground cumin
• 2 tbsp. onion powder
• 2 tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. fine salt

We just selected a few of our favorite toppings, but feel free to mix it up however you like! There are endless combinations of ingredients that will continue to make this fresh and exciting time and time again.

Recipe adapted from Gracious Pantry and Eating Well.