Description
A vibrant, high-protein meal prep salad featuring grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, black beans, and a zesty cilantro lime dressing. Designed to stay fresh and crunchy for up to five days in the fridge.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen thawed or fresh)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2–3 fresh limes (juice and zest)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Cook in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- While chicken rests, chop bell peppers into 1/2-inch cubes, finely dice red onion, and mince jalapeño. Rinse and drain black beans. If using frozen corn, thaw and pat dry.
- In a small bowl or blender, combine lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, minced cilantro, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk or blend until emulsified.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced chicken, chopped peppers, red onion, jalapeño, corn, and black beans. Add most of the dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Divide the salad mixture evenly among meal prep containers. Slice avocados fresh and add just before eating to prevent browning, or toss with lime juice if prepping in advance. Seal containers tightly.
Notes
Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain crispness. Avocados should be added fresh to prevent browning. Chicken must be completely cooled before assembling to avoid wilting greens or creating condensation. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 container
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 12
- Protein: 35
Keywords: southwest chicken salad, meal prep, healthy lunch, high protein, gluten-free, dairy-free, cilantro lime dressing, chicken salad