Protein-Packed Southwest Chicken Salad with Creamy Lime Dressing
Crisp romaine, shredded cabbage, black beans, and tender chicken tossed in a zesty southwest lime dressing. Topped with dairy-free cheddar and sliced almonds for a satisfying crunch.
Prep
15 min
Cook
0 min
Total
15 min
Makes
1 serving
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Marie + Lila
Marie created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Digestive comfort
A portion that works for you
Fiber and plants can support digestion, but more is not always better overnight. Start with a comfortable portion and build gradually.
Notice: comfort + portion
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
0 min
Total
15 min
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Equipment
Whisk · Mixing bowl
Time saver
Measure everything before you start so this quick recipe moves without pauses.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 6 steps complete
Next: Prepare the salad base by adding 2…
- 01
Prepare the salad base by adding 2…
Prepare the salad base by adding 2 cups of romaine lettuce, 0.5 cup of red cabbage, 0.5 pcs of bell pepper, 0.25 cup of sweet corn, and 0.25 cup of black beans into a large mixing bowl.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Whisk together 1 tbsp of olive oil
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tbsp of lime juice, 0.5 tsp of chili powder, 0.25 tsp of cumin, and 1 tbsp of cilantro until smooth and fully emulsified.
Look for: smooth and fully emulsified
Tap card to mark done - 03
Add 150g of pre-cooked chicken breast to…
Add 150g of pre-cooked chicken breast to the bowl with the vegetable mixture.
Tap card to mark done - 04
Pour the dressing over the salad and…
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly for 1 minute until every ingredient is evenly coated.
Look for: every ingredient is evenly coated
Tap card to mark done - 05
Transfer the dressed salad to a serving…
Transfer the dressed salad to a serving plate and sprinkle 2 tbsp of dairy-free cheddar cheese and 1 tbsp of sliced almonds on top.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done - 06
Serve immediately or store undressed in an…
Serve immediately or store undressed in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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