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Easy Zaxby’s Southwest Salad Recipe

Zaxby’s Southwest Salad Recipe

Kimberly Booker RD
Every now and then, we stumble upon a dish that sings to our taste buds. For me, Zaxby’s Southwest Salad is one such gem. It’s a colorful, wholesome combination of fresh produce, protein, and bold flavors that never fails to delight. 
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Course Dressing
Cuisine Southwestern
Servings 2 Servings
Calories 732 kcal

Equipment

  • Bowl
  • Skillet

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 1 tablespoon taco spice blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice from 1/2 fresh lime
  • 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts

For the Salad:

  • 1/2 cup sweet corn kernels fresh or frozen
  • 1/2 cup drained black beans
  • 1 medium tomato diced
  • 2 cups fresh romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1/4 cup sliced red bell pepper
  • 1 ripe Hass avocado thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

For the Creamy Cilantro Dressing:

  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Juice from 1/2 lime
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 cup cilantro including tender stems

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Start by mixing your taco seasoning, cumin, sea salt, and smoked paprika together in a bowl. Add the olive oil and lime juice to create a marinade.
  • Rub this marinade all over the chicken breasts. Let them marinate for 15 to 30 minutes for flavor absorption.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  • Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is no longer pink inside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice into strips after it’s cooled down a bit.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad Base

  • While the chicken is cooking, prepare your salad base. In a large bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce.
  • Then, toss in the corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, and red bell pepper. Mix gently to combine the ingredients, but be careful not to bruise the lettuce.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, sea salt, and cilantro until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. This dressing adds creaminess and balances the salad’s flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

  • Once the chicken has cooled a bit, add the sliced chicken on top of your salad mixture. Drizzle the creamy cilantro dressing generously over the top. Finally, add the avocado slices and sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves for garnish.
  • Do you see that vibrant color? It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Notes

To help you create the best version of Zaxby’s Southwest Salad, here are some handy tips:
  • Marinate Longer: For a stronger flavor profile, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.
  • Grill for Flavor: If possible, grill the chicken instead of pan-searing. The char adds a wonderful flavor.
  • Go Fresh: Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. They truly make a difference in taste.
  • Meal Prep: This salad keeps well, so consider making extra for lunches throughout the week.
  • Customize Ingredients: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies! More crunch? Toss in some cucumbers or radishes.

Nutrition

Serving: 607gCalories: 732kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 103gFat: 24.9gCholesterol: 337mgSodium: 788mgFiber: 4g
Keyword Zaxby’s Southwest Salad Recipe
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