Southwest Chipotle Chicken Salad from Wawa features tender grilled chicken, smoky chipotle seasoning, fresh mixed greens, ripe avocado, black beans, corn, and shredded cheese, all tossed together with a zesty chipotle dressing for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Salad tongs or serving spoons
- Measuring cups
- Cheese grater (if shredding cheese yourself)
- Small bowl or jar (for dressing, if making from scratch)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon chipotle seasoning
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 cup canned black beans
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chipotle dressing
You should use boneless, skinless chicken breast for easy grilling and even seasoning with the chipotle spice. Choose ripe avocado for a creamy texture that complements the smoky flavors, and rinse canned black beans to reduce excess sodium. Fresh or frozen corn kernels work well, but fresh corn enhances sweetness and crunch. Shredded cheddar cheese adds rich flavor--grate your own for freshness if possible. Southwest Chipotle Chicken Salad from Wawa copycat menu balances these ingredients perfectly for a zesty, satisfying meal.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breast with chipotle seasoning on both sides.
- Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Cut grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Rinse and drain canned black beans.
- Cut avocado in half, remove pit, and dice the flesh.
- If needed, shred cheese using the cheese grater.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mixed greens, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, and diced avocado.
- Add grilled chicken pieces to the salad.
- Drizzle chipotle dressing over the salad.
- Toss all ingredients together using salad tongs or serving spoons until well combined.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Southwest Chipotle Chicken Salad from Wawa copycat menu offers a delicious balance of smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors. If you don't have chipotle seasoning, substitute with a mix of smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper to achieve a similar smoky heat. Black beans can be swapped with pinto beans or chickpeas if needed, while frozen corn works well in place of fresh kernels after being thawed. For the chipotle dressing, you can mix mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers for a quick alternative. Make sure to slice the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent browning in your salad.
Tips
Grilling the chicken breast to the proper internal temperature of 165degF ensures it is both safe to eat and juicy. Letting the chicken rest before cutting helps retain its moisture and prevents dryness. Rinsing and draining canned black beans removes excess sodium and improves the salad's texture. When tossing your Southwest Chipotle Chicken Salad, gently combine all ingredients to keep the avocado and greens fresh without becoming mushy.
Nutritions
The Southwest Chipotle Chicken Salad from Wawa provides a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a nutritious choice for your meal. Grilled chicken breast delivers lean protein, aiding muscle repair and satiety, while black beans and corn contribute dietary fiber and essential vitamins like folate and vitamin C. Avocado adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and potassium, supporting cardiovascular health. The addition of shredded cheddar cheese supplies calcium and vitamin D, enhancing the salad's nutritional profile without excessive calories.
Storage
Store leftover Southwest Chipotle Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. To prevent the avocado from browning and the salad from becoming soggy, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving. Your salad will stay crisp and flavorful by following these storage tips.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, swap chipotle seasoning with smoked paprika and cumin to create a milder smoky flavor. Substitute canned black beans with cooked pinto beans of your choice for a fresher texture and taste. Use a lime-cilantro dressing in place of chipotle dressing to add a zesty, herbaceous twist. You can also grill chicken thighs instead of breast for juicier meat in your salad.
Allergies
The Southwest Chipotle Chicken Salad contains common allergens such as dairy from the shredded cheddar cheese and potential soy or egg in the chipotle dressing. If you have sensitivities, be aware that black beans and corn might cause digestive issues for some individuals. Ensure to check ingredient labels or consult with Wawa if you have specific food allergies to safeguard your health.
Why this recipe?
Southwest Chipotle Chicken Salad from Wawa is loved for its perfectly grilled, smoky chipotle chicken paired with fresh greens and a zesty dressing that balances flavor and nutrition. The combination of creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and bold spices delivers a satisfying meal that's both hearty and healthy. You'll appreciate this salad's customizable nature, making it easy to replicate and tailor to your taste preferences at home. Trying the copycat recipe allows you to enjoy Wawa's delicious and wholesome flavors anytime while controlling ingredients for a fresher, personalized experience.