Spicy Southwest Salad (Copycat Chick-fil-A Style)

If you love bold flavors, hearty textures, and satisfying salads that actually feel like a full meal, this Spicy Southwest Salad (Copycat Chick-fil-A Style) is about to become your new favorite recipe. Inspired by the famous salad from Chick-fil-A, this homemade version delivers everything you crave — smoky grilled chicken, sweet corn, black beans, crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy tortilla strips, and a creamy salsa dressing with just the right kick.

The best part? You can make it fresher, customize it to your spice level, and enjoy a generous portion at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting friends, or just craving a restaurant-style salad at home, this Southwest chicken salad checks every box.

Let’s dive into how to make this vibrant, flavor-packed dish from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Southwest Salad

There’s a reason the original became so popular. A good Southwest salad is all about contrast:

• Cool, crisp lettuce
• Warm, smoky grilled chicken
• Creamy dressing with heat
• Sweet pops of corn
• Crunchy tortilla strips
• Bright lime juice

This copycat Chick-fil-A recipe balances protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it both satisfying and nourishing. Unlike many fast-food salads that can feel heavy, this version keeps the flavors bold but the ingredients fresh and clean.

It’s perfect for:

• Lunch meal prep
• High-protein dinners
• Summer gatherings
• Game day spreads
• Quick weeknight meals

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime
• 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup sweet corn (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¾ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup tortilla strips
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

For the Creamy Salsa Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons salsa (medium or hot)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade

In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).

2. Grill or Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.

3. Prepare the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa, lime juice, honey, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Adjust spice level by adding more salsa if desired. Refrigerate until ready to use.

4. Assemble the Salad Base

In a large bowl, add chopped romaine lettuce. Top with black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheeses.

5. Add the Chicken and Toppings

Place sliced grilled chicken over the salad. Add avocado slices and sprinkle generously with tortilla strips.

6. Drizzle and Serve

Drizzle creamy salsa dressing over the salad just before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Toss lightly or serve layered for presentation.

What Makes This a True Chick-fil-A Copycat Recipe?

The original Spicy Southwest Salad from Chick-fil-A stands out because of its balance of spice, sweetness, and crunch. This homemade version captures that same essence:

• Smoky grilled chicken
• Sweet corn and black beans
• A creamy, slightly spicy dressing
• Crunchy tortilla strips
• Fresh, crisp lettuce

By controlling the ingredients, you can make it fresher, lighter, or even spicier than the restaurant version.

Tips for the Best Southwest Chicken Salad

1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Dry chicken can ruin a salad. Use a thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F and no higher.

2. Char the Corn

For extra smoky flavor, sauté corn in a dry skillet until lightly charred.

3. Chill the Dressing

Letting the dressing rest for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

4. Add Crunch Last

Always add tortilla strips right before serving to keep them crispy.

Variations & Customizations

Make It Spicier

Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.

Make It Lighter

Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to reduce calories and boost protein.

Make It Vegetarian

Replace chicken with grilled tofu or extra black beans.

Low-Carb Version

Skip the corn and tortilla strips and increase avocado and chicken portions.

Is This Salad Healthy?

Yes — especially when made at home. This healthy meal prep salad is rich in:

• Lean protein from chicken
• Fiber from black beans
• Healthy fats from avocado
• Antioxidants from tomatoes and spices

The creamy salsa dressing can be adjusted for lighter options, making this salad flexible for different dietary needs.

Perfect for Meal Prep

To meal prep this Southwest chicken salad:

1. Store lettuce separately from wet ingredients.
2. Keep dressing in airtight containers.
3. Add tortilla strips only before serving.

It stays fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when properly stored.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can also serve it with:

• Lime-infused sparkling water
• Fresh fruit
• A side of tortilla soup
• Grilled vegetables

It’s perfect for summer lunches, backyard barbecues, or protein-packed dinners.

Fun Flavor Facts

Southwest cuisine blends Mexican and American influences, highlighting ingredients like chili peppers, corn, beans, lime, and bold spices. This salad reflects those flavors in a modern, fast-casual style that became popular across the United States in recent years.

The smoky spice blend paired with creamy dressing creates a flavor profile that feels indulgent yet refreshing — which explains why this Chick-fil-A copycat recipe continues trending among home cooks.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Southwest Salad (Copycat Chick-fil-A Style) proves that salads don’t have to be boring. With juicy grilled chicken, vibrant vegetables, crunchy tortilla strips, and a creamy salsa dressing, every bite is layered with flavor and texture.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal prep salad, a satisfying lunch, or a bold dinner option, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.

Once you try it homemade, you might never order it out again.

Spicy Southwest Salad (Copycat Chick-fil-A Style)

A bold and flavorful Southwest chicken salad with smoky grilled chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, tortilla strips, and creamy salsa dressing.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American, Southwest

Calories: 480

Ingredients

  

Salad

• 2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
• 6 cups romaine lettuce chopped
• 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1.5 cups shredded cheese Monterey Jack and cheddar blend
• 1 avocado sliced
• 1 cup tortilla strips

Creamy Salsa Dressing

• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 0.25 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp salsa
• 1 tbsp lime juice

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Grill pan or outdoor grill
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Season and marinate chicken with spices and lime juice.
2. Grill chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F, then slice.
3. Whisk dressing ingredients together until smooth.
4. Layer lettuce, beans, corn, tomatoes, and cheese in a bowl.
5. Top with sliced chicken, avocado, and tortilla strips.
6. Drizzle dressing over salad and serve immediately.

Notes

For meal prep, store dressing separately and add tortilla strips just before serving.