Southwest Chicken Jalapeño Popper Salad

I am quite surprised that it has taken me this long to bring my love of jalapeño poppers to a salad. I feel like I have used those flavor in so many other dishes and sandwiches, I have even used those flavors in a breakfast dish. However, I felt healthy eating this jalapeño popper inspired meal.

This salad does not lack on flavor, the dressing packs quite a punch and the salad is full of filling ingredients, making this a great salad for dinner.

Southwest Chicken Jalapeño Popper Salad

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup fresh or pickled jalapeños
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
• black pepper, to taste
• 2 chicken breasts, about 16 ounces
• black pepper, to taste
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 pint grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 2 ounces cheddar cheese, cubed
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• pickled jalapeños, optional
• tortilla strips

Directions:

1. Add all of the ingredients into a food processor and process until well blended.
2. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.
3. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with black pepper and place into the skillet. Cook for about 5-8 minutes per side or until the chicken is completely cooked.
5. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes and dice.
6. Place the lettuce into a large bowl and add all of the remaining ingredients.
7. Serve the salad and drizzle each serving with the Jalapeño Popper Dressing.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 482
Total Fat		21.4g
Saturated Fat		7.3g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0.7g
Monounsaturated Fat		3.5g
Trans Fat		0g
Cholesterol		111.9mg
Sodium		964.2mg
Potassium		159.4mg
Total Carbohydrates		36.5g
Dietary Fiber		10.5g
Sugars		6.6g
Protein		38.6g
Vitamin A 279.6% Vitamin C 83.7%
Calcium 26.2% Iron 18.9%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Closet Cooking.