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Southwest Chicken Caesar Salad drizzled with creamy Caesar dressing, topped with chicken, avocado, black beans, corn, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and crispy tortilla strips.
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Southwest Chicken Caesar Salad

This Southwest Chicken Caesar Salad puts a flavorful Southwest twist on a classic Caesar salad. Using rotisserie chicken and a simple shortcut dressing means you can have this hearty dinner salad on the table in about 20 minutes.
Prep Time20 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Southwest
Servings: 6
Calories: 456kcal
Author: Valerie Brunmeier

Ingredients

For the Southwest Caesar Dressing

  • ¾ cup Caesar salad dressing see notes below
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons Sriracha to taste
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon coriander
  • ½ lime juiced

For the Southwest Chicken Caesar Salad

  • 4 cups chopped romaine hearts
  • 2 cups roughly chopped mixed baby greens
  • 2 cups chopped or sliced fully cooked chicken I use rotisserie chicken
  • 15 ounce can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn thawed
  • 1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
  • ⅓ cup chopped cilantro leaves
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar and/or pepper Jack cheese
  • 1 large avocado sliced
  • tortilla strips or chips for garnish, optional

Instructions

Make the Southwest Caesar Salad Dressing

  • Combine the dressing, Sriracha (to taste), cumin, coriander, and lime juice. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Assemble the Salad

  • Scatter the chopped greens over the bottom of a large, shallow bowl or platter. Top with the remaining ingredients, through the avocado, placing them in rows or piles with a little separation between each.
  • Top individual servings with the dressing and tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips.

Notes

Caesar salad dressing: A good-quality store-bought Caesar dressing keeps this salad quick and easy. If you'd rather make it from scratch, my Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing is a delicious option.
Storage: Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The undressed salad will keep well for up to 2 days. Once dressed, it's best enjoyed within 24 hours since the greens will begin to soften. The Southwest Caesar Dressing will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For the freshest flavor and texture, add the avocado, dressing, and tortilla strips just before serving.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 456kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 812mg | Potassium: 801mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 4728IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 168mg | Iron: 4mg