Easy & Flavorful Southwest Taco Salad Recipe (With Homemade Avocado Lime Dressing!)

Monday, September 12, 2016

Looking for a vibrant, protein-packed salad that’s bursting with bold flavor and perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a date-night meal after the kids go to bed? This Southwest Taco Salad recipe checks all the boxes: crisp, fresh, satisfying, and topped with a creamy, zesty avocado dressing that’s made from scratch.

We first came across a version of this recipe on Facebook, and after a few delicious tweaks, it quickly became one of our go-to recipes for special dinners. It’s a bit more involved than a simple weeknight salad, but it’s so worth the effort. This is the kind of recipe that gets rave reviews, both around the table and online. When I posted a photo of it on Instagram, it got a ton of attention, so I knew I had to share it here on the blog!

Easy & Flavorful Southwest Taco Salad Recipe (With Homemade Avocado Lime Dressing!)

Why You’ll Love This Southwest Taco Salad

This recipe is perfect for parents looking for something fresh, filling, and fun. Whether you're hosting friends or just want a break from the usual dinner routine, this salad delivers. Here’s why it works so well:

Customizable: Add or subtract ingredients based on what your family likes.

Protein-Packed: Chicken breast and black beans offer a hearty helping of protein.

Balanced: Crunchy lettuce, creamy avocado, tangy dressing, and warm seasoned chicken make for a satisfying meal.

Kid-Friendly: The ingredients are familiar and can easily be served separately for picky eaters.

Instagram-Worthy: It’s colorful, layered, and makes a beautiful presentation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to whip up this delicious Southwest-inspired taco salad:

For the Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing:
1/2 an avocado

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon lime juice

1/2 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt

1/3 cup water

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 tablespoon minced garlic

1/2 tablespoon ground cumin

For the Salad:
1 tablespoon olive oil

1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced

1/2 packet of taco seasoning (or make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika)

1 head Romaine lettuce, chopped

1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar jack cheese

1 cup black beans (canned, drained and rinsed)

1 ripe avocado, diced

1 cup canned corn (drained)

1 cup diced tomatoes

1 cup tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)

How to Make Southwest Taco Salad

1. Make the Dressing
Start by preparing the creamy avocado cilantro lime dressing. Combine the avocado, cilantro, lime juice, Greek yogurt, water, salt, garlic, and cumin in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the salad.

2. Cook the Chicken
In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add diced chicken breast and taco seasoning, stirring to evenly coat each piece. Sauté until fully cooked (internal temp should be 165°F), about 7–10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Assemble the Salad
Begin with a base of chopped romaine lettuce in a large bowl or on a platter. Arrange your toppings in rows for a beautiful presentation or toss everything together for a classic chopped salad feel.

Add the cooked chicken, cheese, black beans, avocado, corn, tomatoes, and tortilla strips on top of the lettuce. Drizzle generously with the chilled avocado lime dressing and serve immediately.

Tips for Serving and Customization

Make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken and adding extra black beans or grilled tofu.

Spice it up with sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne in the dressing.

Meal prep tip: Store all components separately if you want to prep ahead. Just wait to add the dressing and tortilla strips until right before serving.

Kid-friendly version: Serve each ingredient in small piles so kids can choose what they want on their plate.

Why This Salad Belongs in Your Summer Rotation

As parents, we're always looking for meals that balance convenience, nutrition, and crowd-pleasing flavor. This taco salad is a little more involved than your average weeknight dish, but it’s ideal for those times when you want to go the extra mile, whether for guests, a dinner date at home, or just because you’re craving something fresh and flavorful.

The homemade avocado cilantro lime dressing is what really sets this dish apart. It’s creamy without being heavy, packed with zesty flavor, and made with wholesome ingredients. And if you have a food processor or blender, it comes together in minutes.

A Hit on Social Media and At the Dinner Table

After posting a photo of this salad on Instagram, I was blown away by the response. It’s bright, colorful, and full of texture—everything people love seeing (and eating!). If you're looking to mix up your summer meal routine or impress your guests, give this recipe a try. It’s a delicious reminder that salads can be anything but boring.