Looking for a vibrant and nutritious meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious? Look no further than our Southwestern Chopped Chicken Salad Meal Prep! Bursting with bold flavors and fresh ingredients, this salad is perfect for busy weekdays or a healthy weekend treat. With just 35 minutes of your time, you can whip up four hearty servings that will keep you satisfied and energized. Trust us, once you taste this colorful medley of grilled chicken, zesty lime, and creamy avocado, you’ll want to make it a staple in your meal prep routine!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, grilled and chopped
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn, cooked
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil. Ensure chicken is at room temperature before grilling.
- Grill chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Then chop into bite-sized cubes.
- While chicken is resting, cook corn in a small saucepan or microwave until heated through.
- Drain and rinse black beans, then set aside.
- Dice red bell pepper, red onion, and avocado into uniform small pieces.
- Chop fresh cilantro finely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped chicken, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
- Drizzle lime juice and olive oil over the mixture. Gently toss to combine.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Divide salad into four meal prep containers, topping each with diced avocado.
- Seal containers and refrigerate. Salad will stay fresh for 3-4 days when properly stored.
Tips
- Grill with Precision: Ensure your grill or grill pan is preheated to medium-high heat (around 400°F) for perfectly cooked chicken. A meat thermometer is your best friend—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Resting Time is Key: After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5-7 minutes before chopping. This helps the juices redistribute, making your chicken tender and juicy.
- Ingredient Prep: To save time, chop your veggies and prepare the beans and corn while the chicken is grilling. This way, you’ll have everything ready to mix once the chicken is done.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients! Consider tossing in some diced tomatoes, jalapeños for a kick, or even some cheese for added creaminess.
- Storage Matters: When dividing your salad into meal prep containers, add the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent browning. Properly stored, this salad stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra zing, add a pinch of cumin or chili powder to the chicken seasoning before grilling. It will elevate the Southwestern flavors even more!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
