Chick-Fil-A Southwest Salad

Published on April 21, 2022

, Updated on December 30, 2024

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Chick-Fil-A Southwest Salad is full of flavor. This copycat version taste amazing and we now we can make it at home. This salad is the perfect weeknight meal.

A bowl of Chick-Fil-A Southwest Salad featuring mixed greens, grilled chicken, shredded cheese, sliced red bell peppers, corn, and tortilla strips, drizzled with a creamy dressing. A fork rests in the bowl beside a small dish of dressing on a wooden table.

Chick-Fil-A Southwest Salad Recipe is one of our favorite salads at the fast food chain, Chick-Fil-A. Topping the salad with spicy chicken really takes the salad to the next level.

This salad is flavorful, spicy and adding in the tortilla strips adds in that extra crunch that we love. Now when the craving hits, I can make this simple salad at home.

Easy Salad Recipes are quick to make and give us a light, healthy option when it is so hot outside. The ingredients are simple and I can easily find them at the grocery store. Also try Big Mac Salad recipe and Spinach Strawberry Salad if you love salad.

What is in the Chick-Fil-A Southwest Salad?
Chick-Fil-A Spicy Southwest Salad Ingredients
Variations for Salad
How to Make Chick-Fil-A Southwest Salad
Expert Tips
Is the Spicy Southwest Salad at Chick-Fil-A healthy?
Frequently Asked Questions
Chick-Fil-A Southwest Salad Recipe

What is in the Chick-Fil-A Southwest Salad?

The copycat chick-fil-a southwest chicken salad is loaded with easy, Tex Mex ingredients.

Spicy Southwest Chicken – Marinated in easy pantry seasonings, orange juice and oils.
Easy Vegetables – Mixed baby greens, bell peppers, tomatoes and corn are added.
Tortilla Strips – We love the crunch that the tortilla strips give. Feel free to use tortilla chips as an easy substitute to top the salad with.
Southwest Salad Dressing – You can use store bought or make your own. Check out Southwest Salad Dressing Recipe.

Chick-Fil-A Spicy Southwest Salad Ingredients

A rustic display of Chick-Fil-A Southwest Salad ingredients: mixed greens in a large bowl, surrounded by small bowls of cherry tomatoes, corn, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, diced red peppers, black beans, pepitas, and a creamy dressing.

Chicken Breasts – You can also use boneless chicken thighs or chicken nuggets
White Wine Vinegar – See Best White Wine Vinegar Substitutes
Orange Juice – This adds the perfect citrus flavor
Avocado Oil – Use oil of your choice such as vegetable oil or olive oil
Garlic Powder – If you are out, see The Best Garlic Powder Substitute
Cayenne Pepper – Adds a hint of spice
Paprika – See Best Paprika Substitute if you are out

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations for Salad

Add in different salad greens – This salad can easily be made with spinach or romaine lettuce instead of the mixed greens.
Roasted Corn – If you can find roasted corn in your freezer section, we prefer to add it to our salad.
Chili Powder – For some extra heat, you can add in chili powder for the chicken marinade.

How to Make Chick-Fil-A Southwest Salad

Step 1 – Prepare the Marinade – In a medium size bowl mix together all the marinade ingredients. Add in the chicken and coat it in the marinade.

A glass bowl filled with raw, seasoned chicken breast fillets sits ready for a dish as delightful as a Chick-Fil-A Southwest Salad. On the whitewashed wooden surface, a striped kitchen towel and a small whisk add to the preparation scene.

Step 2 – Marinate the Chicken – Marinade chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

Step 3 – Prepare Oven – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Step 4 – Prepare salad ingredients – While the chicken is cooking prepare the salads.

Step 5 – Cut Chicken into strips – Once the chicken is cooked through, let it rest for 5 minutes on the baking sheet and then slice into thin strips.

Sliced cooked chicken breasts rest on a baking sheet beside a blue knife, ready to transform into a delicious Chick-Fil-A Southwest Salad. Bowls of shredded cheese and mixed greens await in the background, promising layers of flavor and texture.

Step 6 – Add salad ingredients to a bowl – In a large mixing bowl toss together the mixed greens, red bell pepper, grape tomatoes, black beans and corn until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

A wooden bowl brimming with a Chick-Fil-A Southwest Salad, featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and seeds. Surrounding the bowl are small dishes of creamy dressing, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, and pumpkin seeds on a rustic wooden table.

Step 7 – Add chicken and toppings to fresh bed of salad – Top with the spicy chicken breast, seasoned tortilla strips, chili lime pepitas, blend of monterey jack cheese, poblano chiles, pepitas and drizzle with the creamy salsa dressing. We also like to squeeze a little lime juice. Then serve with fresh cilantro and enjoy! We all love the zesty combination of the ingredients.

A wooden bowl brimming with a Chick-Fil-A Southwest Salad, showcasing grilled chicken slices atop mixed greens, shredded cheese, red tortilla strips, and pumpkin seeds. A wooden serving spoon is nearby and a small container holds the signature creamy dressing.

Expert Tips

Preparing Chicken – You can grill the chicken if you prefer. You can also pre-make the chicken ahead of time and store it in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Chicken – So the chicken cooks evenly and about the same time, we like to filet the chicken so it is about the same size.

Is the Spicy Southwest Salad at Chick-Fil-A healthy?

The Spicy Southwest Salad at Chick-Fil-A is one of the highest calorie count menu items. But because the salad is loaded with vegetables and ingredients it does offer many health benefits.

That is one of the many reason why we like making copycat recipes. We can adjust the ingredients and make the salad dressing homemade. Which helps to cut calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Chicken in Advance?

Yes, we recommend preparing the chicken in advance to easily make this salad at anytime of the week.

How to Store Leftover Southwest Salad?

Store the leftovers chicken and salad ingredients separately to keep everything fresh in an airtight container. Place in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.