P. Southwest Salad from Red Robin features grilled chicken, fresh avocado, black beans, roasted corn, mixed greens, shredded cheese, and crispy tortilla strips, all tossed in a zesty southwest ranch dressing, delivering a vibrant combination of smoky, creamy, and crunchy flavors.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Salad spinner or colander
- Mixing bowls
- Salad tongs
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 large avocado
- 1 cup canned black beans
- 1 cup roasted corn kernels
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crispy tortilla strips
- 1/2 cup southwest ranch dressing
Make sure to use fresh, ripe avocado for a creamy texture that balances the smoky spices on the grilled chicken breasts. Opt for canned black beans drained and rinsed to reduce excess sodium while keeping them tender. Roasted corn kernels add a natural sweetness that complements the zesty southwest ranch dressing, so using fresh or frozen roasted corn can enhance the flavor. Season the chicken evenly with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic and onion powder, salt, and pepper to achieve the characteristic smoky Southwest profile. Your P. Southwest Salad from Red Robin copycat will taste authentic with these ingredient choices.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Brush chicken breasts with olive oil.
- Season chicken with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice chicken into strips.
- Rinse and drain black beans.
- Rinse and spin mixed greens dry.
- Dice avocado.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mixed greens, black beans, roasted corn, shredded cheddar cheese, and avocado.
- Add half the southwest ranch dressing and toss to coat.
- Divide salad mixture among serving bowls.
- Top each salad with grilled chicken slices.
- Sprinkle with crispy tortilla strips.
- Drizzle remaining southwest ranch dressing over salads.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
P. Southwest Salad from Red Robin copycat menu offers a fresh and hearty option with grilled chicken, avocado, black beans, roasted corn, mixed greens, cheddar cheese, crispy tortilla strips, and southwest ranch dressing. If you don't have a grill or grill pan, you can cook the chicken in a skillet or bake it in the oven while maintaining the seasoning blend for that smoky, spiced flavor. Canned black beans and roasted corn can be substituted with fresh versions if available, but make sure to rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content. For a dairy-free option, replace shredded cheddar with a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely while keeping the rest of the ingredients intact for texture and flavor. When measuring spices like chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, adjust according to your taste preferences to enhance the zesty kick of the salad dressing.
Tips
Ensure your grill or grill pan is properly preheated to medium-high to achieve perfect sear marks and avoid sticking on the chicken breasts. Resting the chicken for 5 minutes after grilling allows juices to redistribute, keeping your meat tender and juicy. Dry mixed greens thoroughly using a salad spinner before tossing to prevent soggy salad and help the dressing adhere evenly. When adding avocado, choose a ripe but firm fruit to maintain texture and avoid browning before serving your Southwest Salad.
Nutritions
The P. Southwest Salad from Red Robin offers a balanced mix of macronutrients and fiber, thanks to its grilled chicken, black beans, and fresh avocado. The chicken provides lean protein essential for muscle maintenance and repair, while black beans deliver plant-based protein and dietary fiber that supports digestion. Avocado contributes healthy monounsaturated fats, promoting heart health and satiety, whereas the shredded cheddar cheese adds calcium and additional protein. Your meal also includes vitamins A and C from the mixed greens and roasted corn, supporting immune function and skin health.
Storage
Store leftover P. Southwest Salad components separately to maintain freshness; keep grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avocado should be stored with a squeeze of lemon juice in a sealed container to prevent browning, while tortilla strips are best kept in a cool, dry place to stay crispy. Your salad dressing can be refrigerated in a tightly sealed jar for up to one week, ensuring all ingredients stay flavorful and safe to eat.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap grilled chicken breasts with grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein source that still complements the zesty flavors. Roasting fresh corn on the cob instead of using canned kernels enhances the smoky sweetness and adds texture. For a dairy-free twist, replace shredded cheddar cheese with sliced jalapeno or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. Consider mixing Greek yogurt into the southwest ranch dressing to boost creaminess and add a tangy protein punch.
Allergies
The P. Southwest Salad from Red Robin contains common allergens such as dairy from shredded cheddar cheese and southwest ranch dressing, as well as gluten in the crispy tortilla strips. Individuals with poultry allergies should avoid the grilled chicken, and those sensitive to corn should be cautious due to roasted corn kernels included in the dish. You should inform the restaurant of any allergies to ensure safe modifications are made to your meal.
Why this recipe?
Red Robin's P. Southwest Salad appeals to many due to its vibrant combination of fresh greens, grilled chicken, black beans, corn, crunchy tortilla strips, and a zesty Southwest dressing. The salad offers a balanced mix of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors that create a satisfying and health-conscious meal option. You'll find recreating this dish at home worth the effort because it delivers restaurant-quality taste with customizable ingredients and fresh textures. Making a copycat version allows control over ingredient quality and portion size, perfect for those seeking both flavor and nutrition.