Looking for a tasty and healthy lunch option? Try the Southwest Chicken Salad with Salsa, which weighs in at 440 calories per serving (317 g). This salad is packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Made with grilled chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado, this salad is a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Topped with a zesty salsa dressing, it's a flavorful and nutritious meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the ingredients and preparation of this delicious salad, as well as its nutritional information and serving size. Whether you're looking to eat healthier or just want to mix up your lunch routine, the Southwest Chicken Salad with Salsa is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

To make the Southwest Chicken Salad with Salsa, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of shredded lettuce
• 1 cup of grilled chicken breast, sliced
• 1/2 cup of canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup of corn kernels
• 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup of diced avocado
• 2 tablespoons of salsa
• 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt

Feel free to adjust the amounts of each ingredient based on your preferences and dietary needs.

Preparation

Making the Southwest Chicken Salad with Salsa is quick and easy. Here are the steps:

1. Grill the chicken breast until fully cooked, then slice it into thin strips.
2. In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the salsa and Greek yogurt to create the dressing.
4. Add the chicken to the salad mixture, then drizzle with the dressing.

Toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing, then serve and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Here is the nutritional information for one serving (317 g) of the Southwest Chicken Salad with Salsa:

• calories: 440
• Protein: 34 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Vitamin A: 25% DV
• Vitamin C: 45% DV
• Calcium: 10% DV
• Iron: 20% DV

Keep in mind that these values may vary depending on the specific brands and amounts of ingredients used. However, overall, this salad is a healthy and balanced meal option that provides plenty of nutrients to support your overall health and well-being.

Serving Size

One serving (317 g) of the Southwest Chicken Salad with Salsa provides a generous portion size that is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner. If you're looking to extend the meal or incorporate some additional nutrients, consider pairing the salad with some whole grain bread or crackers, or adding a side of fruit or vegetables to your plate.

Calories

One serving (317 g) of the Southwest Chicken Salad with Salsa contains approximately 440 calories, which is a reasonable amount for a meal. If you're trying to lose weight or manage your calorie intake, consider adjusting the portion size or pairing the salad with some lower calorie options, such as a broth-based soup or a side salad with a vinegar-based dressing.

Protein

The Southwest Chicken Salad with Salsa is a great source of protein, with about 34 g per serving. Protein is important for building and maintaining muscle mass, as well as supporting healthy bones, skin, and hair. With the addition of black beans and Greek yogurt in this salad, you're getting a variety of proteins that complement each other and help provide a complete amino acid profile.

Carbohydrates

This salad contains approximately 44 g of carbohydrates per serving. Carbs are an important source of fuel for your body, especially before and after workouts. The carbs in this salad come mainly from the black beans, corn, and tomatoes, all of which are high in fiber and other key nutrients. This helps slow down the absorption of carbs and prevents blood sugar spikes, providing sustained energy and satiety.

Fat

The Southwest Chicken Salad with Salsa contains about 15 g of fat per serving. However, most of the fat comes from healthy sources such as avocado and Greek yogurt, which are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These types of fats have been shown to lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and improve heart health.

Sodium

One serving of this salad contains approximately 850 mg of sodium, which is on the higher side. While sodium is an essential mineral that helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure, excess intake can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure and stroke. If you're concerned about your sodium intake, consider reducing the amount of added salt in the recipe, or choosing lower sodium ingredients whenever possible.

Vitamins and Minerals

The Southwest Chicken Salad with Salsa is loaded with vitamins and minerals that help support your overall health and wellness. Some key nutrients found in this salad include vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. These nutrients are important for various body functions such as vision, immune function, bone health, and oxygen transport.