If you have ever enjoyed McDonald’s Southwest Salad, you know how vibrant and refreshing it can be. For those who have missed its unique blend of flavors, you’re in the right place. I tried recreating this salad recipe, and now I’m excited to share this delicious version with you.
As the name suggests, Southwest Salad is inspired by traditional Southwestern cuisine, which combines Mexican and Native American flavors with a bold, fresh twist.
This style of cooking, originating from the American Southwest, has always been celebrated for its hearty ingredients and zesty dressings. Naturally, over time, the Southwest Salad became popular, known for its crunchy tortilla strips and vibrant dressing.
McDonald’s first introduced the Southwest Salad to offer healthier options on its menu.
Even though McDonald’s has discontinued this salad at some locations, you can still savor its vibrant flavors with the recipe I have put together.
Equipment Required
- Mixing Bowl: Mixing bowls are a must for this recipe, as you’ll need them to marinate the chicken, prepare the dressing, and combine the salad ingredients. So, I suggest having a few sizes on hand to make the process smoother.
- Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board are crucial for chopping veggies and slicing chicken.
- Frying Pan: This is essential for cooking the chicken. I prefer a non-stick pan to prevent chicken from sticking and to make clean-up easier. A regular skillet will do the trick if you do not have a frying pan.
- Tongs: I always recommend having a pair of tongs in your kitchen, as they’re incredibly handy for flipping the chicken and give you better control.
- Spatula: A silicon spatula is my go-to because it’s gentle on ingredients and easy to clean. If you’re missing one, a large or wooden spoon can be a good alternative.
- Serving Bowl: For presentation, I love using a clear glass or decorative bowl to help showcase the salad and make it look as appetizing as it tastes.
McDonald’s Southwest Salad Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: The listed ingredients would give you 2 servings of McDonald’s Southwest Salad.
For the Chicken Marinade:
- ½ Pound Boneless Chicken: If you have more time, you can also opt for grilled or roasted chicken breasts, which are the closest substitute for boneless chicken in terms of texture and protein content.
- ½ Teaspoon Of Black Pepper: You could also opt for white pepper with a milder, less pungent flavor.
- 1 Teaspoon Of Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
For the Southwest Dressing:
- 1 Tablespoon Sour Cream: I recommend using Greek yogurt for a lighter option or mayonnaise for a richer flavor.
- 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika: You could also use regular paprika, but it won’t offer the same smoky flavor.
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder: If you want to add a little bit of texture and a strong garlicky flavor to your dressing, I recommend adding minced garlic.
- 1 Teaspoon Lime Juice: You could also use lemon juice instead.
- 1 Teaspoon Cumin Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- Salt To Taste
For the Salad:
- ½ Cup Romaine Lettuce: Other greens, like spinach, arugula, or mixed greens, can also be used as a substitute. However, it can slightly alter the flavor profile.
- ½ Cup Black Beans: Pinto beans and red kidney beans are another alternative with a similar flavor.
- ½ Cup Tortilla Strips: For a similar salty and crunchy element, you could also use tortilla chips.
- ½ Cup Sweet Corn: You can use frozen or canned corn, but they won’t have the same sweetness and freshness as fresh corn.
- ½ Cup Cucumbers, chopped: Radishes are a good substitute for cucumbers and offer different flavors and textures.
- ½ Cup Diced Tomatoes: I suggest using cherry tomatoes instead if you want a milder tomato flavor with the same sweetness and juiciness as tomatoes.
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder: Minced garlic can be an alternative. Just be mindful that it will add a more intense garlic flavor.
- ½ Cup Bell Peppers
- ½ Cup Onions
Preparation And Cooking Time
Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
---|---|---|
15 Minutes | 20 Minutes | 35 Minutes |
How To Make McDonald’s Southwest Salad At Home
Step 1
In a bowl, take boneless chicken pieces and season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
Step 2
Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken and mix well to coat all pieces evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour.
Step 3
Now, in a separate bowl, add sour cream, garlic powder, and cumin powder.
Step 4
Add smoked paprika for that delicious, smoky flavor.
Step 5
Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
Step 6
Pour in the lemon juice and mix everything thoroughly. Your salad dressing is now ready.
Step 7
Next, heat a frying pan over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking on both sides until fully done.
Step 8
Then, add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, sweet corn, beans, and cucumbers to a large mixing bowl.
Step 9
Add the prepared dressing to the bowl and mix everything together. Make sure all veggies are well-coated with the dressing.
Step 10
Slice or shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl.
Step 11
Gently mix everything together again to combine the flavors.
Step 12
Finally, add tortilla strips and small cubes of cheese and give the salad one last mix to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Step 13
Your McDonald’s Southwest Salad is ready to be served and enjoyed.
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- If you want extra crispy lettuce, try soaking it in ice water for a bit before adding it to your salad for that refreshing crunch.Â
- To achieve a more flavorful chicken, I highly suggest marinating it for at least an hour. However, if you can, let it sit overnight. This will help the flavors to really soak in, making the chicken tender and packed with flavor.
- I recommend resting the chicken after cooking it for about 10 minutes before slicing or shredding it to help the juices distribute evenly. This step will guarantee that each bite is juicy and moist.
FAQs About McDonald’s Southwest Salad
Nutritional Information Per Serving
This McDonald’s Southwest Salad is a healthy option packed with fresh vegetables, lean protein, and flavorful spices. However, the dressing and tortilla strips can add up, so I suggest enjoying it in moderation, particularly if you’re mindful of calorie or fat intake.
Calories | 734 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 53 g |
Protein | 63 g |
Fat | 32 g |
Saturated Fat | 13 g |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 3 g |
Monounsaturated Fat | 7 g |
Trans Fat | 0.03 g |
Cholesterol | 213 mg |
Sodium | 1504 mg |
Potassium | 1836 mg |
Fiber | 13 g |
Sugar | 11 g |
Vitamin A | 4718 IU |
Vitamin C | 66 mg |
Calcium | 220 mg |
Iron | 5 mg |
This dish is perfect for those following a balanced diet. If you’re on a strict keto, paleo, gluten or dairy-free diet, you can still enjoy it with a few thoughtful adjustments.
Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Keto Diet: You might want to skip the tortilla strips and black beans, as they’re higher in carbs. Instead, add more avocado, cheese, or some bacon bits to increase the fat content. To maintain a satisfying crunch, you can also toss in roasted nuts or seeds, like almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds. Replacing the sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt is also a great option to keep the salad creamy and keto-friendly.
- Vegan Diet: Replace the chicken with either tofu or tempeh. For the dressing, swap out the sour cream with a plant-based yogurt like coconut yogurt for a creamy consistency. Almond or soy-based yogurts are also good options. The key is to choose a yogurt that doesn’t have a strong flavor, allowing the spices in the dressing to shine through.
- Gluten-Free Diet: It’s important to ensure that the tortilla chips are labeled gluten-free, as some regular ones may contain wheat. I suggest opting for gluten-free tortilla strips or chips to ensure your salad meets your dietary needs.Â
- Dairy-Free Diet: Replace the sour cream in the dressing with a dairy-free yogurt. My go-to is cashew yogurt, which has a creamy texture that closely mimics traditional sour cream. Alternatively, if you prefer a lighter option, a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lime juice, and a touch of honey or agave can be a great substitute.
- Paleo: Replace the black beans and tortilla strips, as they’re not paleo-friendly. Instead, consider adding more vegetables like avocado or roasted sweet potatoes. For the dressing, you could swap out the sour cream for a homemade mayo or an avocado-based dressing. This way, you keep it creamy and flavorful while sticking to paleo guidelines.
Storing This Recipe
- Refrigeration: After preparing the salad, I recommend storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best results, keep the salad, the chicken, and the dressing separate. This helps prevent the salad from becoming soggy and ensures that each component stays fresh. If you follow this method, the salad should remain crisp and flavorful for up to 3-4 days. Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as it would compromise the texture and freshness of the ingredients.
What To Serve With This Recipe
- Black Bean Soup: The soup’s rich, earthy flavors complement the southwest spices in the salad, creating a cozy, satisfying meal.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob:. The charred, caramelized flavor of the corn complements the salad’s zesty dressing and adds an irresistible delightful crunch.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: The citrusy burst from the lime brightens up the dish, balancing out the creaminess of the dressing and making the meal feel light and refreshing.
- Roasted Poblano Soup: The soup’s smoky, slightly spicy notes create a beautiful harmony with the salad’s zesty and fresh flavors, making it an excellent choice for anyone who loves a bit of spice.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness and slight spiciness of the sweet potatoes bring out the savory elements of the salad, and they’re a hit with anyone who loves a bit of spice.
Printable Version
McDonald’s Southwest Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 Pound Boneless Chicken
- ½ Teaspoon Of Black Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Of Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
For the Southwest Dressing
- 1 Cup Sour Cream
- 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Lime Juice
- 1 Teaspoon Cumin Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- Salt To Taste
For the Salad
- 1 Cup Romaine Lettuce
- 1 Cup Black Beans
- ½ Cup Tortilla Strips
- ½ Cup Sweet Corn
- ½ Cup Cucumbers
- ½ Cup Diced Tomatoes
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ Cup Bell Peppers
- ½ Cup Onions
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Frying Pan
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Serving Bowl
Instructions
- In a bowl, take boneless chicken pieces and season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken and mix well to coat all pieces evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour.
- Now, in a separate bowl, add sour cream, garlic powder, and cumin powder.
- Add smoked paprika for that delicious, smoky flavor.
- Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Pour in the lemon juice and mix everything thoroughly. Your salad dressing is now ready.
- Next, heat a frying pan over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking on both sides until fully done.
- Then, add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, sweet corn, beans, and cucumbers to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the prepared dressing to the bowl and mix everything together. Make sure all veggies are well-coated with the dressing.
- Slice or shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl.
- Gently mix everything together again to combine the flavors.
- Finally, add tortilla strips and small cubes of cheese and give the salad one last mix to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Your McDonald's Southwest Salad is ready to be served and enjoyed.
Notes
- If you want extra crispy lettuce, try soaking it in ice water for a bit before adding it to your salad for that refreshing crunch.Â
- To achieve a more flavorful chicken, I highly suggest marinating it for at least an hour. However, if you can, let it sit overnight. This will help the flavors to really soak in, making the chicken tender and packed with flavor.
- I recommend resting the chicken after cooking it for about 10 minutes before slicing or shredding it to help the juices distribute evenly. This step will guarantee that each bite is juicy and moist.
Nutrition
More McDonald’s Recipes That You Can Try
Conclusion
Recreating this light, healthy, yet filling, and indulgent McDonald’s Southwest salad was fun. I enjoyed experimenting with the ingredients and adding my own twist to enhance the flavors.
I hope you find the same joy in making this recipe, discovering your personal touches along the way.
If you try it, I would love to hear about your experience! Please feel free to leave a comment, share your thoughts, or let me know how it turned out for you.