If you're in the mood for a flavorful and filling salad, try out this Taco Salad with Southwest Chicken Chili (No Salsa)! Weighing in at 853 grams, this salad contains 1264 calories. Despite the high calorie count, this salad is packed with protein, fiber, and other vitamins and minerals that make it a healthy meal option.

The salad features a mix of chicken chili, veggies, and crunchy tortilla strips, all topped with a creamy avocado dressing. The chili is made with a blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika, giving it a savory and spicy kick. The veggies include green leaf lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapenos for added flavor and crunch.

In this article, we'll explore the ingredients and recipe for making this delicious salad, as well as its nutritional value, possible variations, and recommended toppings. We'll also provide storage tips and expert opinions on this tasty and satisfying meal option.

Ingredients used for Taco Salad with Southwest Chicken Chili

To make this salad, you'll need the following ingredients: 1. 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2. 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

Recipe of making Taco Salad with Southwest Chicken Chili

To make this salad, follow these simple steps: 1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. 2. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and season with cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Calorie count of Taco Salad with Southwest Chicken Chili

As mentioned earlier, this salad weighs in at 853 grams and contains 1264 calories. It also contains 86 grams of carbohydrates, 77 grams of protein, and 56 grams of fat. While this may seem like a lot of calories, the salad is packed with nutrients and can provide a satisfying and filling meal.

Benefits of eating Taco Salad with Southwest Chicken Chili

This salad is a great option for those looking for a healthy and satisfying meal. The chicken provides a good source of protein, while the black beans and veggies add fiber and other essential nutrients. The spices used in the chili also provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, making it a great option for overall health. Additionally, the avocado dressing provides healthy fats that are good for brain function and heart health.

Possible variations of Taco Salad with Southwest Chicken Chili

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are many ways to customize it to your liking. You can add different veggies like bell peppers or red onion, or swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh to make it vegetarian. You can also switch up the dressing by using a salsa-based dressing or a hot sauce, or adding a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.

Nutritional value of Taco Salad with Southwest Chicken Chili

As mentioned earlier, this salad is packed with nutrients. In addition to the protein and fiber, it contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium. The avocado dressing provides heart-healthy fats and the spices in the chili provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Overall, this salad is a great option for a healthy and balanced meal.

Suitable occasions for serving Taco Salad with Southwest Chicken Chili

This salad is a great option for lunch or dinner, and can be served at a variety of occasions. It's perfect for when you want something filling and satisfying, but also need a healthy meal option. It's also great for summer BBQs or gatherings, as it's easy to make in large batches and can feed a crowd.

Recommended toppings for Taco Salad with Southwest Chicken Chili

The toppings for this salad are customizable based on your taste preferences. Some recommended toppings include: shredded cheese, sliced avocado, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, hot sauce, and diced mango. Feel free to experiment and find the combination that you love!

Storage tips for Taco Salad with Southwest Chicken Chili

If you have leftovers of this salad, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To prevent the veggies from getting soggy, it's best to store the chicken chili and dressing separately from the lettuce and other veggies. When you're ready to eat, simply toss everything together and enjoy!

Expert opinion on Taco Salad with Southwest Chicken Chili

According to registered dietitian Sally Kuzemchak, this salad is a great option for a balanced meal. She notes that the chicken and beans provide protein, while the veggies add fiber and other essential nutrients. She also mentions that the avocado dressing provides healthy fats and that the spices in the chili can have anti-inflammatory benefits. Overall, she recommends incorporating this salad into your meal rotation for a healthy and delicious option!