Easy Chick Fil a spicy southwest salad Recipe | Make It at Home

The Chick-fil-A Spicy Southwest Salad is a favorite among health-conscious fast-food fans because it is an excellent mix of fresh ingredients and tangy tastes. This popular item on the menu has southwestern-style toppings, crisp greens, and grilled chicken. Its spicy kick keeps people going back for more.

While it’s convenient to grab a chick fil a spicy southwest salad from the drive-thru, making it at home lets you customize the ingredients, adjust the spice level, and even prepare extra for later. Plus, making this salad at home is often more affordable than buying it from a restaurant.

In this article, you’ll learn how to recreate this beloved chicken salad recipe from start to finish. We’ll cover:

• Ingredients you’ll need
• Step by step preparation
• Tips for perfectly grilled chicken
• Making the signature dressing
• Customizing the salad to your taste
• Storage tips for meal prep

We will teach you how to make this southwestern favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking to save money, eat healthier, or simply enjoy making restaurant-quality food at home, this recipe has you covered.

Easy Chick Fil a spicy southwest salad Recipe | Make It at Home

Recipe by SamiraCourse: SaladsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

400

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Spicy Grilled Chicken:
  2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  2 tbsp olive oil
  1 tsp chili powder
  1/2 tsp paprika
  1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  1/2 tsp garlic powder
  Salt and black pepper to taste

• For the Salad Base:
  

• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  

• 2 cups baby greens
  

• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  

• 1 cup roasted corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
  

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  

• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese blend
  

• 1/2 cup tortilla strips
  

• 1/4 cup chili lime pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

• For the Dressing:
  

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  

• 1/4 cup sour cream
  

• 1 tbsp honey
  

• 2 tbsp lime juice
  

• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
  

• 1/4 tsp southwest seasoning
  

• Pinch of salt

Directions

• Prepare the Chicken:
  Mix olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  Coat chicken breasts with the marinade. Let sit for 20 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
• Cook the Chicken:
  Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
  Cook chicken for 7–8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  Rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
• Make the Dressing:
  Blend mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, lime juice, chipotle pepper, and southwest seasoning until smooth.
  Adjust seasoning as needed and refrigerate until ready to use.
• Prepare the Salad Base:
  Toss romaine lettuce and baby greens in a large bowl.
  Add black beans, roasted corn, and cherry tomatoes.
• Assemble the Salad:
  Top the greens with sliced grilled chicken.
  Sprinkle shredded cheese, tortilla strips, and chili lime pepitas over the top.
• Serve:
  Drizzle dressing over the salad or serve on the side.

Notes

• For a low-calorie option, reduce cheese and tortilla strips.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise and sour cream to make a lighter dressing.
• Add toppings like diced avocado, roasted sweet potatoes, or pickled red onions for extra flair.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tortilla strips.
• Prep components ahead of time and store them separately for quick assembly during the week.

What is chick fil a spicy southwest salad? 

The fresh and tasty mix makes it stand out from other fast food options. At its core, this salad comprises various bright foods that taste great and good for you.

The Base Components

The salad starts with a bed of crisp romaine lettuce and baby greens, which make an excellent base. The main protein is spice-rubbed grilled chicken breast, cut into pieces just the right size to spread out in the salad.

Signature Toppings

What makes this salad distinctly southwestern are its carefully chosen toppings:

• Black beans and roasted corn provide a hearty, authentic Mexican food feel
• Diced tomatoes add fresh brightness
• Shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese bring creamy richness
• Tortilla strips contribute a satisfying crunch
• Chili lime pepitas (pumpkin seeds) offer extra texture and nutrition

Also You can dress the salad in Creamy Salsa or Jalapeño Ranch dressing. These sauces combine all the flavors by adding just the right amount of heat and sweetness.

What Makes It Special

The chick fil a spicy southwest salad is well-thought-out, unlike many fast-food salads that look like they were thrown together without much thought. Each ingredient does its own thing, balancing the different tastes and textures. 

It has a noticeable level of spice that isn’t too much, so people who like spicy foods and softer tastes will both enjoy it. Fresh veggies, protein, and crunchy toppings make it filling enough to eat, which helps explain why health-conscious eaters like it.

Nutritional Information

The nutrition facts and calories for the chick fil a spicy southwest salad change depending on If you order it or make it yourself. Let’s break down the essential nutrition facts to help you make intelligent decisions.

Restaurant Version Numbers

This salad from Chick-fil-A has 450 calories when served with grilled chicken and no sauce. The base salad has a good amount of protein and fiber, which makes it a satisfying meal choice. Adding sauce will increase the number of calories. The Creamy Salsa sauce has 290 calories, and the Jalapeño Ranch Dressing has 280 calories.

You might wonder, is chick fil a spicy southwest salad a healthy choice? How you order it makes a big difference in the result. Adding cooked chicken and sauce on the side can be a healthy choice. 

Packed with fiber, vegetables, and lean protein, it makes for a balanced meal. You should pay attention to the salt level (1320mg), a big part of the daily suggested amount.

Making It Healthier at Home

Making the salad at home lets you control its nutritional profile. You can keep the flavors you love while cutting back on calories and sodium. For a healthier twist, try using less cheese, substituting Greek yogurt in the dressing, or adding extra veggies.

Homemade versions of this salad typically have fewer calories (350-400 without sauce) and sodium (around 800 mg) than the restaurant version. You can change the amounts and types of items to fit your diet, whether you need to watch your calories, eat more protein, or cut down on salt.

Choosing healthy ingredients and limiting the amount you eat are the keys to making this salad healthier. Using measuring cups for toppings like cheese and tortilla strips that are high in calories helps you stay within your calorie limit while enjoying all the great flavors that make this salad unique.

Ingredients Needed

Getting the right items is the key to making this popular salad again. Here’s what you’ll need for each main part.

• Spicy Chicken Marinade: Mix olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Season chicken breasts without bones. This mix gives the chicken that unique hot taste that makes it stand out.
• Fresh Salad Base: The base of the salad is a mix of crisp romaine lettuce and soft baby greens. Other ingredients include black beans, roasted corn kernels, and fresh cherry tomatoes. Chopped Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese, crunchy tortilla strips, and roasted pepitas give the salad its own look and feel.

chick fil a spicy southwest salad Dressing

Mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, and lime juice are mixed to make the rich filling. It gets its unique kick from chipotle pepper in adobo sauce and southwest flavor. Adding a little salt makes the tastes go well together.

Dietary Modifications

If you need to change the recipe because of a food allergy, try these swaps:

• For a meatless option: swap out the chicken for grilled tofu.
• For a lactose-free option: use dairy-free cheese options.
• For a gluten-free option: swap out the normal tortilla strips for gluten-free corn strips. To make it lighter, try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayo in the sauce.

Keep in mind that for the best results, all of the ingredients should be fresh. However, frozen corn and beans from a can work well for ease of use. You can always use more or less hot herbs to make the food as spicy as you like.

Step by Step Recipe Instructions 

It’s easier than you think to make this tasty salad at home. If you follow these easy steps, you can make a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant. It’s essential to prepare each part separately and then carefully assemble them. Allow us to divide the process into steps that we can easily handle.

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Preparing the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken, as this step takes the longest. In a bowl, mix salt, black pepper, cayenne, chili powder, paprika, and olive oil. 

Coat all sides of the chicken breasts with the spice blend. For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the fridge.

Making the Dressing

Set the dressing aside while you make the chicken. In a mixer, combine sour cream, honey, lime juice, and one chipotle pepper with a little of its adobo sauce. 

Blend until smooth, and there are no more chunks. Add the salt and southwest spice and blend for a short time to mix. Check the spices and make changes as needed. Refrigerate the dressing until you’re ready to use it.

Cooking the Chicken

Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high. Cook the chicken for about 7-8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for five minutes before cutting it into strips. The meat stays juicy during this sitting time.

Preparing the Vegetables

Get the veggies ready while the chicken cooks. Wash and cut the romaine lettuce and mix it with the baby greens. Cut the small tomatoes in half. Clean the black beans and drain them. Follow the directions on the package to heat the frozen corn, then let it cool all the way down.

Assembly Steps:

• Start with a large bowl or individual serving plates
• Create a bed of mixed greens
• Arrange the sliced chicken over the greens
• Add black beans and corn in sections around the plate
• Sprinkle halved tomatoes across the salad
• Add shredded cheese in an even layer
• Top with tortilla strips and pepitas

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

If you want the tortilla strips to stay crunchy, add them before serving. Put the dressing in a different container and add it to the salad when ready. You can have the chicken warm or cold, whichever you like better.

To make the dish look like it belongs in a restaurant, arrange the toppings in groups instead of mixing them. Your choice of how much ingredient goes into each bite makes this look and taste good.

To improve the taste of the black beans, warm them with a pinch of cumin before adding them to the salad. To make the pepitas taste even nuttier, toast them in a dry pan for two to three minutes.

Variations and Dietary Consideration

This Southwest salad can be changed to fit different dietary needs without affecting the taste, whether you’re watching your weight, on a special diet, or have food allergies. Let’s think of creative ways to change this well-known dish without changing its taste or charm.

Low-Calorie Modifications

The chick fil a spicy southwest salad calories with dressing can add up fast, but you can make a version that is lower in calories. To start, use less cheese and leave out the tortilla bits. This will cut about 150 calories. 

Pick a light dressing, or use a bit of standard dressing. There are only 220 calories in the chick fil a spicy southwest salad without toppings nutrition profile. This makes it an excellent start for creating your healthy meal.

Gluten-Free Options

It’s easy to make this salad without gluten. Instead of regular tortilla pieces, use corn-based ones or crushed corn tortilla chips. Always make sure that the spices and oils you buy are gluten-free because some may contain wheat-based ingredients. The base salad’s black beans, veggies, grilled chicken, and other items are naturally gluten-free.

Alternative Dressings

If you want to switch up the flavors, try these dressing alternatives:

• Lime-cilantro vinaigrette for a lighter option
• Avocado-based dressing for healthy fats
• Greek yogurt-based chipotle dressing for extra protein
• Simple olive oil and lime juice for a clean taste

Additional Topping Ideas

To make your salad your own, you can add things like diced avocado, roasted sweet potatoes, or pickled red onions. These changes can make the food healthier and taste better while still maintaining the southwestern theme.

Serving Suggestions

With an excellent design and well-thought-out sides, this Southwest salad can transform a simple meal into a unique eating experience. You can serve it at a dinner party or a casual lunch. Here are some ways to improve your salad service and make the perfect meal.

Plating Your Salad

Put this bright salad in big, small bowls so that all the vegetables can be seen. Instead of mixing the parts, arrange them in groups. 

This makes for a more exciting appearance and lets people mix the parts as they eat. After putting the sliced chicken in the middle, place the bright toppings in a rainbow shape around it.

Perfect Pairings

This filling salad goes well with many different sides. A cup of tortilla soup warms you up and goes great with the Mexican flavors. For something lighter, serve it with warm flour tortillas or fresh corn cakes. On a hot summer day, grilled corn on the cob goes well with any meal.

Beverage Choices

The hot parts of the salad go great with fresh lemonade or sweetened iced tea. For a more authentic Mexican meal, try serving it with agua fresca or horchata. Sparkling water with a squeeze of lime is a delicious, calorie-free choice.

Presentation Tips

Serve the greens cold to keep them crisp. Add the warm chicken right before serving to make a nice difference in temperatures. The dressing should be in a small bottle or dish on the side. 

This makes the salad look better and keeps it fresh longer. Add style by putting fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges around the plate’s edge.

Making Your Own Southwest Salad: Final Thoughts

When you make this easy Chick-fil-A Spicy Southwest Salad recipe at home, you can choose the ingredients, the amount you eat, and any other food preferences. This guide has everything you need to know, from the essential items and step by step instructions on how to make the dish to different diet-friendly options and serving ideas.

In this article We discussed how to prepare and cook the best hot chicken, make the famous dressing, and put everything together to look its best. You learned about gluten-free and healthy choices and ways to change the amount of spice to your liking. The ideas for how to serve and pair this salad with other foods help you make it a complete meal for any event.

Remember that practice makes perfect, and don’t be afraid to change the amounts and items to suit your tastes. Feel free to change this recipe to fit your home and cooking style. 

This homemade version is convenient and flexible, if you’re making meals ahead of time for the week or making dinner for your family. Why not try this recipe? Making this salad at home may be your new favorite way to eat it.

FAQs about Chick Fil a Spicy Southwest Salad

Here are answers to the most common questions about this popular menu item. Whether you’re curious about nutrition, ingredients, or how to customize your order, you’ll find helpful information below.