Southwestern Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette and homemade Tortilla Strips


Some of my most frequent emailed questions regard healthy eating.
My husband and I are very passionate about healthy eating so stuff like this gets me pretty excited.
I have been wanting to start a "recipe" section on my blog for quite a while now but sometimes life just gets a little crazy and with the move, everything has been pretty fast pace around here :)
However, we are settling down and I am really excited to share some favorite recipes of ours every now and again.

We eat out maybe 2 times a week over the weekend and I cook all the rest of the days so I get creative HA.

I don't consider myself the best cook in the world, 
 but I do LOVE finding EASY, HEALTHY new recipes to try -
( And occasionally not so healthy HA )
Thank you Pinterest.

This is a recipe that I originally found HERE.
I LOVE her food site and almost every recipe I have tried from her has been incredible so I would totally recommend it.
I literally make this salad about once a week ( we love it so much ) so I have tweaked a few things over time ( adding seasoned chicken, homemade tortilla strips, ETC. ) and it has become one of our favorite meals.


First things first.
Chicken.

#1. Wash and cut chicken into strips.
( For this particular time we were feeding more people but when I am just cooking for Aaron and I, I do about 2 breasts of chicken total )

#2. Make seasoning in separate bowl
( Serving size - 2 chicken breasts )

2 tsp chilli powder
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp salt


#3. Cook chicken over skillet.
I NEVER use vegetable oil or butter for my skillet. Occasionally I will put a touch of olive oil to keep from sticking, but for this case, I just sprayed with PAM and it works awesome.

Sprinkle half of the seasoning on the top side of the chicken, then flip the chicken over and sprinkle the rest of the seasoning.

Cook on medium until chicken is cooked through.


Next step : Homemade BAKED tortilla strips

While staying with our family friends a little while back, she introduced me to this incredible HEALTHIER version of Tortilla Strips and I have never gone back!

**All you need is some corn tortillas, a little olive oil, and a baste brush.

Step #1. Pour Olive Oil into a small container and lightly baste each side of every tortilla.

Step #2. Cut corn tortillas into strips ( I just used a pizza cutter )

Step #3. Season with a touch of Kosher Salt ( or regular salt, I like Kosher salt better )


Step #4: Spray cookie sheet with pam and dump tortilla strips onto cookie sheet.

Step #5: Bake at 400 until crispy. About half way through I flip them to make sure both sides are crisp.


Wahhlaa! You have a way healthier version of chips for your salad.
( P.S. make sure to watch them because I have had my fair share of burnt tortilla strips :)


Next up : Chopped Southwestern Chicken Salad 

Guys this is so easy and looks so pretty and delicious.

5 cups chopped romaine lettuce
2 roma tomatoes sliced in cubes
1 can of corn ( drained )
1 can of black beans ( drained )
1 avocado, halved, seeded, and diced 
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Grilled chicken - cubed

** This is my tweaked version of how we like it - Original recipe is -- HERE


DRESSING : Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
This is a CREAMY greek yogurt healthy dressing and so easy!

1 cup loosely packed cilantro
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 cloves garlic
Juice of 1 lime
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Recipe source -- HERE


Serve with love!
* I will occasionally warm corn tortillas to eat with it on the side - personal preference because I love eating a salad like this with tortillas!

Happy cooking and Happy Tuesday all! XO

Karina Marie Powell

17 comments:

  1. Yumm! This looks amazing! Great idea for the homemade tortilla strips!

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  2. WOW! That chicken looks soooo amazing. Almost makes me feel like Spring/summer is right around the corner :)

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  3. Definitely looks delicious! I love any dressing that uses greek yogurt!

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  4. Damn Delicious ;) is THE BEST! I'm making her pesto tonight, and the chick fil a nuggs were super good, too! I've also made the salmon, you need try that if you haven't already/love salmon!

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  5. delicious!!!! also, your house is amazing. so are you photos. so is this salad.

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  6. OMG this sounds and looks so amazing friend! I may have to make it this week. ;)

    Marissa
    www.simplymars.com

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  7. This looks so yummy & healthy!! That salad dressing sounds divine - I can't wait to try this recipe out!

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  8. I'm so trying this recipe! I think my husband will LOVE it. Thanks , :)

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  9. Oh, this looks delicious!

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  10. Wow, this looks amazing and so delicious!!!! x

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  11. This looks so yummy! Hubby isn't much of a salad eater. He'll tolerate them as a side, but isn't so fond of them as a main dish haha. Maybe I can win him over with this one! :)

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  12. Oh my gosh, I am DROOLING! I can't wait to try this!

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  13. This looks so yummy!! I LOVE the homemade tortilla strips!!! Thanks so much for sharing this!! I just pinned this!! :) Yummy!
    :) Rebecca

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  14. I've added this into our meal plan! and I am loving all the new pictures in your new home :) SO gorg!!

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  15. I seriously can't WAIT to make this!! Sounds so fresh and delish!

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  16. This looks REALLY good. I'll definitely be pinning this to eat!!

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