• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
I'm Hungry For That
  • Home
  • Breakfast Recipes
  • Dinner Recipes
  • Dessert Recipes
  • All Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Breakfast Recipes
  • Dinner Recipes
  • Dessert Recipes
  • All Recipes
    • Instagram
  • ×

    Spicy Southwest Salad Recipe | The Best Southwest Chicken Salad

    by Joe Duff 38 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    This Spicy Southwest Salad is super healthy and each bite is packed with flavor. It tastes like the popular spicy southwest chicken salad from Chick-Fil-A, complete with bold Tex-Mex style chicken, creamy salsa dressing, and fresh ingredients. It's nutritious, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make too!

    A spicy southwest salad in a white bowl. Behind the salad bowl is a glass jar of creamy salsa dressing, small white bowl of, tomatoes, and a small white bowl of chili lime pepitas in the front.

    Table of Contents

    • THE BEST SPICY SOUTHWEST SALAD
      • INGREDIENTS FOR SPICY SOUTHWEST SALAD
      • HOW TO MAKE SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SALAD
        • STEP 1: MAKING THE SPICY CHICKEN
        • STEP 2: MAKING THE CREAMY SALSA DRESSING 
        • STEP 3: MAKING THE CHILI LIME PEPITAS
        • STEP 4: ASSEMBLING THE SALAD 
      • HOW TO STORE YOUR SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SALAD
      • FINAL THOUGHTS
    • Spicy Southwest Salad | The Best Spicy Southwest Salad (Copycat Chick-Fil-A Recipe)
      • Ingredients
      • Instructions
      • Notes
      • Nutrition
      • Did you make this recipe?

    THE BEST SPICY SOUTHWEST SALAD

    When I'm in the mood for something wholesome, fresh, and filling, this southwest salad recipe is always my go-to. 

    I love a salad that is all jazzed up with a combination of different ingredients. And the ingredients in this salad blend together to create the perfect balance of flavors. And this copycat Chick-Fil-A spicy southwest salad has just that.

    I mean, there's perfectly seasoned chicken, southwest-style veggies, a homemade smooth salsa dressing with a little kick, and everything is finished off with crunchy tortilla strips & chili lime pepitas. What's not to love about this salad?

    And what makes this recipe even better is it's easy to put together and works perfectly as a healthy meal prep recipe you can eat over the next few days. 

    Oh, and for the full Chick-Fil-A experience, you have to make this chicken noodle soup or these iconic chicken nuggets with the Chick Fil A sauce to go with the salad. The classic sauce actually works really well as a dressing for this Chick-Fil-A spicy southwest salad too.

    And then for dessert, you can whip up these Chick Fil A chocolate chunk cookies!

    A white bowl filled with spicy southwest salad. Sliced chicken is on top of the salad with creamy salsa dressing on top of it.

    INGREDIENTS FOR SPICY SOUTHWEST SALAD

    Ok, so this ingredients list is pretty extensive since the salad is packed with so much flavor. But luckily, everything should be easy to find in your local grocery store if you don't already have it at home. 

    And trust me, getting everything on this list will be so worth it. Once you take your first bite, you'll see how every ingredient adds layers of deliciousness to the recipe.

    Anyway, here's what you'll need for the chicken:

    • 2 chicken breasts
    • ⅓ cup dill pickle juice
    • 1 tbsp sour cream
    • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
    • ½ tsp smoked paprika
    • ½ tsp ancho chili powder
    • ½ tsp salt
    • ½ tsp black pepper
    • ½ tsp garlic powder
    • 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking

    For the dressing:

    • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
    • ½ cup hot Jalapeno salsa (or any salsa)
    • ⅓ cup sour cream
    • Bunch of cilantro leaves (½ loose cup)
    • 2 tbsp lime juice
    • Pinch of salt and black pepper
    • ½ tsp ancho chili powder
    • ½ tsp garlic powder

    And to complete the salad:

    • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
    • 2 cups spring mix
    • ½ cup cheddar cheese
    • ½ cup canned black beans, rinsed
    • ½ cup corn, rinsed
    • ½ bell pepper, chopped 
    • 12 grape tomatoes
    • ½ cup tortilla strips
    • ½ cup Chili lime pepitas

    By the way, if you're worried that you won't get much use out of these ingredients beyond this salad, you can use almost all of the spices to make this blackened chicken or blackened shrimp! Both actually go really well in this salad.

    And if you don't like any of these ingredients, feel free to leave them out and add in anything else you'd like!

    Is southwest salad in a white bowl. There is a small white cup of chili lime pepitas in front of it, a small white bowl of corn behind it, and a small glass jar of creamy salsa dressing behind it.

    HOW TO MAKE SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SALAD

    Now, once you've got all your ingredients together, the rest of the recipe comes together in a snap.

    And I know you want to dig into this salad ASAP, so let's dive into the instructions!

    STEP 1: MAKING THE SPICY CHICKEN

    First things first, let's prepare the chicken.

    To start, pound the chicken breasts a few times with a meat tenderizer to flatten them. Then marinate the chicken breasts in the pickle juice for 2-4 hours. 

    Now, you don't absolutely have to marinate it, but it totally elevates the flavor of this chicken. 

    Next, combine the spices for the chicken - cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, ancho chili powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder - in a small bowl and give them a good mix. 

    Once the chicken breasts are done marinating, pat them dry with paper towels and spread sour cream on both sides of the chicken. Then cover the chicken in the prepared spice mix.

    Next, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a cast-iron pan.

    Then add your chicken breasts to it, cook them for 4 minutes on one side, flip them over, and cook for another 4 minutes. 

    Transfer your cooked chicken to a plate and let it cool while you prepare the rest of the salad.

    A bowl filled with southwest chicken salad.

    STEP 2: MAKING THE CREAMY SALSA DRESSING 

    While the chicken is cooling, we can move on to the dressing. And this dressing couldn't be easier to make!

    Just combine all the dressing ingredients – that would be your mayonnaise, salsa, sour cream, cilantro leaves, lime juice, ancho chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper – in a blender or food processor.

    Then, blend everything together until you get a smooth and creamy consistency.

    STEP 3: MAKING THE CHILI LIME PEPITAS

    The last thing we have to prepare is our homemade chili-lime pepitas. These are optional to make, but they add a one-of-a kind flavorful crunch to the salad. 

    First, heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Then add your pepitas and a quarter teaspoon of chili powder and mix the pepitas around to cover them in the chili powder.

    Toast everything for around 2-3 minutes, then remove the skillet from the heat and toss the pepitas with a teaspoon of lime juice and a sprinkle of salt.

    A southwest chicken salad in a white bowl. There is a small white bowl of corn and a small glass jar of creamy salsa behind the bowl..

    STEP 4: ASSEMBLING THE SALAD 

    Finally, let's put this salad together!

    First, add your romaine lettuce and spring mix to a large bowl. 

    Then, put in the black beans, corn, chopped bell peppers, and grape tomatoes. 

    Sprinkle on your cheddar cheese, pepitas, and tortilla strips and thinly slice your chicken breasts, and arrange them in the center of the salad 

    Top it all off by drizzling your creamy salsa dressing over everything and enjoy! 

    A small white bowl filled with a spicy southwest chicken salad. A spoon is drizzling creamy salsa dressing over the chicken on top of the salad. Behind the bowl of salad is a glass jar of creamy salsa dressing and a small white bowl of tomatoes.

    HOW TO STORE YOUR SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SALAD

    Like any salad, the best way to enjoy this southwest salad is when it's freshly made.

    That said, there are a few tricks you can do if you want to meal prep or enjoy some leftovers the next day. And if you want to do this, I recommend only assembling the amount you plan to eat that day. 

    Then you can store all of your ingredients in separate containers or in a container with dividers in it. 

    If you store everything this way in airtight containers, your spicy southwest salad will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    When you want to enjoy this salad again, add all of your ingredients to a bowl and dig in!   

    A white bowl filled with spicy southwest salad. A spoon is drizzling creamy salsa dressing over the chicken that is on top of the salad.

    FINAL THOUGHTS

    If you think salads are boring, this southwest chicken salad will definitely change your mind.

    It honestly is my favorite salad I've ever made, and I think it might be the best salad you can make at home. Along with this flavorful cucumber salad!

    Of course, I might be a little biased, so you'll just have to try this southwest chicken salad recipe and see for yourself. 

    And if you do, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think!

    Print

    Spicy Southwest Salad | The Best Spicy Southwest Salad (Copycat Chick-Fil-A Recipe)

    A spicy southwest salad in a white bowl. Behind the salad bowl is a glass jar of creamy salsa dressing, small white bowl of, tomatoes, and a small white bowl of chili lime pepitas in the front.
    Print Recipe

    ★★★★★

    5 from 38 reviews

    This Spicy Southwest Salad is super healthy and each bite is packed with flavor. It tastes like the popular spicy southwest chicken salad from Chick-Fil-A, complete with bold Tex-Mex style chicken, creamy salsa dressing, and fresh ingredients. It's nutritious, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make too!

    • Author: Joe Duff
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 10 minutes
    • Total Time: 20 minutes
    • Yield: 4 Servings 1x
    • Category: Dinner
    • Method: Stovetop
    • Cuisine: Salad

    Ingredients

    Scale

    Chicken:

    2 chicken breasts

    ⅓ cup dill pickle juice

    1 tbsp sour cream

    ½ tsp cayenne pepper

    ½ tsp smoked paprika

    ½ tsp ancho chili powder

    ½ tsp salt

    ½ tsp black pepper

    ½ tsp garlic powder

    2 tbsp olive oil for cooking

    Dressing:

    ⅓ cup mayonnaise

    ½ cup hot Jalapeno salsa (or any salsa)

    ⅓ cup sour cream

    Bunch of cilantro leaves (½ loose cup)

    2 tbsp lime juice

    Pinch of salt and black pepper

    ½ tsp ancho chili powder

    ½ tsp garlic powder

    Salad:

    2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

    2 cups spring mix

    ½ cup cheddar cheese

    ½ cup canned black beans, rinsed

    ½ cup corn, rinsed

    ½ bell pepper, chopped 

    12 grape tomatoes

    ½ cup tortilla strips

    ½ cup Chili lime pepitas

    Instructions

    1. Pound the chicken breast with a meat tenderizer a few times. Pour pickle juice over the chicken and marinade for 2-4 hours. 
    2. Mix the spices for the chicken in a bowl. Pat the marinated chicken with paper towels, then spread with sour cream. Cover with spices.
    3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a cast iron pan. Cook chicken on medium heat for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4 minutes on the other side. Place on a plate to cool.
    4. To make the dressing, place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
    5. To make the pepitas, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a cast iron skillet on medium low heat. Add pepitas and chili powder and mix. Toast 2-3 minutes then remove from heat and add lime juice, sprinkle with salt.
    6. Place all of your salad ingredients in a bowl, top with sliced chicken, and drizzle with creamy salsa dressing.

    Notes

    The scale up function does not change the gram measurements.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 Serving
    • Calories: 399
    • Fat: 25
    • Carbohydrates: 21
    • Fiber: 5
    • Protein: 23

    Keywords: spicy southwest salad, spicy southwest salad recipe, how to make spicy southwest salad, southwest chicken salad, southwest chicken salad recipe, how to make southwest chicken salad, southwest chicken salad dressing, southwest chicken salad recipe with black beans, sw chicken salad recipe, spicy southwest salad dressing, spicy southwest salad chick-fil-a copycat, southwest salad recipe, southwest salad recipe with chicken, southwest salad recipe easy, southwest salad recipe chick fil a, southwest salad recipe copycat, southwest salad recipe healthy, healthy southwest chicken salad, healthy salad recipe, healthy salad recipe with chicken

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag us @ImHungryForThat — we can't wait to see what you've made!

    « Chick Fil A Chicken Noodle Soup Copycat Recipe
    Fried Tacos Recipe | The Best Way To Make Tacos »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tony

      June 27, 2021 at 5:37 pm

      This tastes just like the one from Chick-Fil-A but even better.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. Mikayla

      June 29, 2021 at 4:15 pm

      This was super good! I’ve never had the one from chick fil a but I can’t imagine it being better than this. Best homemade salad I’ve tried!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    3. Sean

      July 13, 2021 at 4:49 pm

      So many good flavors in this salad. Can’t wait to make it again tomorrow!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    4. Mark

      July 14, 2021 at 2:42 pm

      Very good. Love the dressing on this

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    5. Terry M.

      July 15, 2021 at 1:47 pm

      Excellent. Great toppings.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    6. Kiki

      July 15, 2021 at 4:20 pm

      Can’t believe how much this tastes like the one from Chipotle.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    7. Bill

      July 16, 2021 at 10:04 am

      Made this yesterday For lunch and it’s delish.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    8. Meghan

      July 16, 2021 at 11:11 am

      In love with this salad!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    9. Marsha Falkner

      July 17, 2021 at 5:24 pm

      Really liked the pepitas. I made more right after to have to snack on. Salad was delicious too!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    10. Melody

      July 18, 2021 at 11:27 am

      Really liked this salad. I made those healthy french fries you suggested with it and it was the perfect meal!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    11. Howard

      July 18, 2021 at 1:43 pm

      Made this for lunch today and it totally hit the spot!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    12. Bruna

      July 20, 2021 at 3:58 pm

      This dressing was great! I used the leftovers and put in on some veggies.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    13. Bailey

      July 21, 2021 at 9:06 am

      The marinade on the chicken is a flavor I've never had before. Delicious! I was definitely skeptical but ended up loving it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    14. Karen

      July 22, 2021 at 6:19 pm

      Split it with my husband, and we both devoured it.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    15. Lisa L

      July 23, 2021 at 2:36 pm

      Great salad!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    16. Janet

      July 27, 2021 at 4:58 pm

      I made the salad without the chicken. It was very good, I liked the combination of everything!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    17. Brandy

      July 27, 2021 at 7:27 pm

      Made a great lunch!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    18. Lane

      July 30, 2021 at 1:17 pm

      Had some time on my hands and made this. Well worth it! So many good things in this recipe.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    19. Kimmy

      July 31, 2021 at 9:22 am

      I had this for lunch and then for dinner. Delicious healthy salad!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    20. Tanner

      August 01, 2021 at 1:27 pm

      Love this as a low carb salad.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    21. Emila H

      August 04, 2021 at 4:37 pm

      I tripled the recipe and served at my sons grad party. It was a hit with our taco bar.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    22. Madison

      August 06, 2021 at 1:27 pm

      I made it for lunch and ate the rest for dinner. It was delicious both times and I will be making this salad again soon.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    23. Melie

      August 08, 2021 at 9:23 am

      This was so fresh and a breeze to make!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    24. Shelly

      August 11, 2021 at 4:49 pm

      Delicious salad!! I left out a few ingredients so I didn't have to run to the store but I am going to make it again with everything.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    25. Jolyene

      August 13, 2021 at 7:01 pm

      Best homemade dressing that I have ever made!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    26. Jackie

      August 19, 2021 at 4:54 pm

      My favorite salad that I have made at home! Will def be making again.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    27. Aubrey

      August 22, 2021 at 7:44 pm

      Love love love love this salad!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    28. Rachael

      October 11, 2021 at 9:14 pm

      Wow so good!! I love the dressing and have used it for a bunch of other things.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    29. Sidney

      October 28, 2021 at 3:38 pm

      I have made this a few times now, very delicious and filling salad!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    30. Britt

      November 08, 2021 at 6:43 pm

      It is well worth getting all of the ingredients, totally make it if you're on the fence!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    31. Nicole

      November 29, 2021 at 10:04 am

      Best salad I have ever made at home by far!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    32. Jamie

      April 13, 2022 at 9:10 am

      Loved this salad!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    33. Sandra M.

      June 23, 2022 at 12:11 pm

      So impressed with this salad and all of the tasty elements that are in it.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    34. Ej

      June 23, 2022 at 6:05 pm

      🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    35. Eme

      June 23, 2022 at 11:06 pm

      I love this salad and make it constantly!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    36. Hannah C.

      June 25, 2022 at 9:59 am

      I added some sliced avocado and loved it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    37. Sean

      June 26, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      This is how salads should be

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    38. Amanda

      July 07, 2022 at 4:58 pm

      Has been my go-to summer salad thus far and love it every time

      ★★★★★

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    Primary Sidebar

    Hey there! We're Brendan & Joe, and we love to create recipes that make you say "I'm hungry for that!" We've both... Read More…

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    A tin filled with french fries. There is text above the french fries that reads "click here to join our weekly newsletter".

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About Us

    • About

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    YouTube

    • Subscribe

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

    Privacy Policy Copyright © 2021 Terms & Conditions