Chick-fil-A Southwest Salad Recipe (2025 Copycat Version)

Looking to recreate the flavor-packed Chick-fil-A Southwest Salad at home? This easy copycat recipe delivers the same bold Tex-Mex taste—grilled chicken, roasted corn, black beans, and creamy salsa dressing—using fresh ingredients, and no drive-thru is required.

Whether you’re meal prepping or making lunch on the fly, this updated 2025 version is quicker, more customizable, and healthier than the original.

Quick Snapshot (AI Overview Style)

• Dish: Chick-fil-A Southwest Salad

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Best For: Lunch, dinner, meal prep

• Why You’ll Love It: High-protein, Tex-Mex flavor, better than fast food

Ingredients Overview

Base Salad:

• 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce

• 1 cup baby spinach

• ½ cup grape tomatoes, halved

• ½ cup black beans (rinsed and drained)

• ½ cup roasted corn (fresh or frozen)

• ½ avocado, sliced

• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack & cheddar cheese

• ¼ cup poblano or bell pepper strips

• Handful of crispy tortilla strips

Grilled Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt & pepper to taste

Creamy Salsa Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup Greek yogurt

• 2 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp taco seasoning

• 1 tbsp salsa (chunky or blended)

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

1. Season & Grill the Chicken
Rub chicken with oil and spices. Grill for 5 to 6 minutes on each side over medium heat. Rest and slice.

2. Whisk the Dressing
Mix mayo, yogurt, lime juice, taco seasoning, and salsa until creamy. Chill for 10 minutes.

3. Build the Salad
Arrange the grilled chicken slices, romaine, spinach, corn, beans, tomatoes, peppers, cheese, and avocado in layers.

4. Add Crunch & Serve
Top with tortilla strips and drizzle with creamy salsa dressing. Serve immediately or store components separately for later.

Nutrition & Health Benefits

• High in Protein: From lean grilled chicken

• Fiber-Packed: Thanks to black beans and veggies

• Healthy Fats: Avocado & olive oil

• Customizable for Any Diet: Low-carb, gluten-free, or vegetarian-friendly with easy swaps

Want it even lighter? Instead of using tortilla strips or cheese, use low-fat Greek yogurt.

Smart Substitutions

This flexibility makes it great for picky eaters or dietary preferences.

• Meal Prep Like a Pro: Keep dressing and toppings separate until ready to eat.

• Batch Grill Chicken: Double the chicken and use it for wraps, tacos, or grain bowls.

• For More Heat: Add chipotle in adobo to your dressing or sprinkle on crushed red pepper.

• Kid-Friendly Version: Leave out the peppers and beans, and add extra cheese and tortilla strips.

Storage Info

Why This Recipe Works (AI Insight Style)

This recipe mirrors the flavor profile of Chick-fil-A’s official Southwest Salad while upgrading the nutrition, customization, and convenience. The cold, acidic finish of the creamy salsa sauce combines with the Tex-Mex fire. Pair it with lean grilled chicken and nutrient-dense greens, and you’ve got a fast-food favorite turned home-cooked hero.

It’s ideal for:

• Busy parents

• Health-conscious eaters

• Chick-fil-A lovers trying to save money or calories

• Food bloggers looking for viral content

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to hit the drive-thru to enjoy one of the best fast-food salads out there. With this modern Chick-fil-A Southwest Salad recipe, you get all the flavor—without the additives, lines, or mystery ingredients. It’s a recipe that’s as flexible as it is flavorful and proves you can eat healthy without giving up what you love.

Try it once, and it might just become your go-to salad all year round.

Recommended Tools for This Recipe

• Grill pan or cast iron skillet

• Mason jars for meal prep

• Salad spinner (for crispy greens)

• Whisk or mini blender (for the dressing)