Texas Regional Healthcare Training Center Spiced Chicken and Black Bean Salad
A protein-packed salad combining spiced grilled chicken with black beans and fresh vegetables, perfect for a nutritious lunch or light dinner. This american-inspired salads ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 (about 1 lb) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed canned black beans
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 1 medium, diced avocado
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil with 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
- Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior has nice grill marks.
- Step 3: Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine 1 can drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
- Step 5: Add 3 tbsp lime juice and gently toss the bean mixture to combine.
- Step 6: Arrange 4 cups mixed salad greens on plates, top with the black bean mixture, sliced grilled chicken, and 1 diced avocado.
- Step 7: Serve immediately for a fresh, protein-rich meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Texas Regional Healthcare Training Center Spiced Chicken and Black Bean Salad take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Texas Regional Healthcare Training Center Spiced Chicken and Black Bean Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Texas Regional Healthcare Training Center Spiced Chicken and Black Bean Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Texas Regional Healthcare Training Center Spiced Chicken and Black Bean Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Texas Regional Healthcare Training Center Spiced Chicken and Black Bean Salad?
American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.