Loaded Southwest Avocado Salad Recipe

This quick and easy-loaded southwest salad recipe is sure to be a hit with the whole family! Made with simple ingredients this easy salad is perfect for lunch or supper, and is a great recipe to add to your meal prep rotation! 

Ever since I was little I’ve been obsessed with southwest salads, I’m not really why, but I’ve always loved eating them. And they will forever be my go-to meal when I need to pick up something quick to eat from the grocery store.  

I’m not really sure what started this strange obsession for me. Or why I love southwest salads so much, all I know is that I do. And for years now I’ve been telling myself I should create my own recipe, to make at home. It might have taken a while, but I’m happy to say I finally got around to doing just that.

This simple copycat version, of my favorite store-bought salad, not only tastes way better than anything you’ll find at the store, but it’s also a whole lot cheaper and healthier!

I even created my homemade version of the packet of dressing these salads are known for coming with! (you can find the recipe HERE) Not to mention now you can enjoy this delicious salad anytime you like, without having to leave the house. 

This quick and easy loaded salad recipe is seriously the best, not only is it loaded with all the best southwest flavors, but it also has plenty of protein, and might just be enough to convince picky eaters that a salad can, in fact, be a complete meal!

Topped creamy homemade southwest avocado dressing, this southwestern salad recipe is perfect for lunch, supper, or anytime! It’s great for meal prep and can be enjoyed all year long, plus it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.

How To Make Loaded Southwest Avocado Salad

Ingredients

• Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped. I like romaine best but any kind of lettuce or your favorite spring mix will work. 
• black beans, I use canned beans that have been drained and rinsed. 
• red onion, sliced
• grilled chicken breast, diced
• orange or red bell pepper, diced
• ripe avocado, diced
• corn* 
• shredded cheese,  any kind of cheese will work for this recipe. Pepper jack cheese and cheddar cheese are two of my favorites!
• southwest avocado dressing. I like to use my homemade southwest dressing but feel free to use any of your favorite salad dressings. Southwest ranch dressing and creamy avocado cilantro dressing are both amazing on this salad!
• crispy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips, optional 

Additional topping ideas 

• sour cream or Greek yogurt
• grape tomatoes, or cherry tomatoes 
• black olives
• jalapenos
• green onions
• olive oil 

Directions

Place your chopped lettuce in a large bowl, and top with the red onion, black beans, diced chicken, diced bell pepper, diced avocado, and corn. 

Sprinkle the cheese and the tortilla strips(or crushed chips) over the top, followed by a generous drizzle of salad dressing.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

If you are planning on making this salad for meal prep, store the salad and dressing separately until ready to eat. I would also recommend tossing your avocado in some lime juice or lemon juice before storing it to help keep the avocado from turning brown.

Recipe Notes

Any leftover salad can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

I love using black beans for this recipe, but you can use any kind of beans you like. Pinto beans, navy beans, and red kidney beans are all delicious! 

*You can use frozen, canned, or fresh corn for this recipe! Fresh sweet corn is always delicious! To add extra flavor you can even blacken your corn before adding it to your salad.

You can find my homemade southwest avocado salad dressing recipe HERE!

Be Sure to Check Out These delicious salads Too!

Chopped Greek Salad Recipe

Strawberry Field Salad | with feta and almonds

Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad Recipe

Easy Seven Layer Salad Recipe | With Homemade Dressing