• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
The Food Hussy

The Food Hussy

Just another WordPress site

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
    • air fryer
    • copycat
    • WW
    • beef
    • pork
    • poultry
    • side dish
    • dessert
  • Restaurants
  • Road Trips
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Get three easy and delicious FREE recipes every week!

Copycat Panera Southwest Chili Lime Ranch Salad

March 17, 2021 · FoodHussy · Leave a Comment

Pin
Share
Tweet
Share
This Copycat Panera Southwest Chili Lime Ranch Salad with Chicken is my absolute favorite!!! I made it three times this past week!!! Once you have all the ingredients - you can't help but make it every day!  via @foodhussy

This Copycat Panera Southwest Chili Lime Ranch Salad with Chicken is my absolute favorite!!! I made it three times this past week!!! Once you have all the ingredients – you can’t help but make it every day!

Copycat Panera Southwest Chili Lime Ranch Salad with Chicken
Jump to Recipe

This salad literally has all my favorite toppings – corn, ranch, avocado, feta and chicken – what more can you want?! There’s some lettuce in there too for good measure! But trust me – the Southwest Dressing is what you’re going to come here for and I have an easy hack to make it for yourself!

Table Of Contents

What is in Panera Southwest Chicken Salad?

Panera’s version has citrus pepper chicken, romaine, arugula, pickled red onions, black bean & corn salsa, fresh cilantro, and masa crisps tossed in chile lime rojo ranch and topped with feta and avocado.

Copycat Panera Southwest Chili Lime Ranch Salad with Chicken

I modified that just slightly by using tortilla strips and made my own chile lime southwest ranch – and you’re going to love it!!! It’s zingy and so delicious with just a little spice!

It’s so easy to make this salad! Start with a base of romaine and arugula (sparingly on the arugula – it’s got a peppery flavor that can overwhelm you). Then layer everything on from there: sliced chicken, pickled red onions, black bean & corn salsa, cilantro, tortilla strips, feta, avocado and my own Southwest Ranch Dressing! So good!

Copycat Panera Southwest Chili Lime Ranch Salad with Chicken

What’s in the Panera Southwest Dressing?

Panera’s dressing recipe is always where I start when making a copycat – this one contains a chile lime rojo blend which has pesto, garlic, buttermilk, a variety of peppers (guajillo, piquante, cayenne, chipotle), vinegar, egg, sugar, lime juice and Greek yogurt.

I decided to spin this into something easy! My favorite dressing is my Jalapeno Lime Ranch – then I had some Chipotle Taco Sauce in my fridge – and boom – Chipotle Lime Ranch!

If you’re looking for the Chipotle Taco Sauce – I found Ortega’s at Kroger for less than $3. If you can’t find it – you can also add Chipotle Pepper Seasoning to your ranch – or even canned chipotles in adobo sauce. On the last one – tread lightly – it’s spicy!

Copycat Panera Southwest Chili Lime Ranch Salad with Chicken

Tips and Tricks

How can I jazz up bottled ranch for this recipe?

I would reco starting with my Jalapeno Lime Ranch – but if you have bottled ranch – you can add juice from a lime, grated jalapeno and chipotle pepper seasoning!

Where do you get pickled red onions?

You make them!!!! I always have the base for these No Cook Refrigerator Pickles in the fridge – most of the time – it’s full of red onion just so I have them on hand. You can use them after they’ve set overnight – but the longer they’re in the juice – the softer and more pickled they’ll get!

How do you make your chicken like Panera?

They always marinate in a Citrus Pepper marinade and my best copycat is this Mojo Criollo marinade – it’s super cheap and adds so much to the chicken!

What’s the best way to cook chicken for this recipe?

I always make chicken breast in the air fryer! Depending on the size of the chicken breast – I air fry at 350 for 12-15 minutes – flipping halfway thru. Temp check with a meat thermometer to 160 and then let it rest for 5 minutes so the juices absorb into the chicken.

How many calories are in the Panera Southwest Chicken Salad?

Panera’s version has 680 calories. My version has 708 calories. Pretty close!

Recipes included in this chicken salad:

  • No Cook Refrigerator Pickles
  • Air Fryer Chicken Breast
  • Jalapeno Lime Ranch Dressing

Other Panera Salad Copycat Recipes:

  • BBQ Chicken Salad
  • Spicy Thai Salad
  • Greek Salad
Copycat Panera Southwest Chili Lime Ranch Salad with Chicken

Copycat Panera Southwest Chili Lime Ranch Salad with Chicken

This Copycat Panera Southwest Chili Lime Ranch Salad with Chicken is my absolute favorite!!! I made it three times this past week!!! Once you have all the ingredients – you can't help but make it every day!
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Course Entree
Cuisine American, southwest
Servings 2 people
Calories 708 kcal

Equipment

  • Chef's Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Cheese Grater
  • Paula deen Electronic Air Fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1.5 cups mojo criollo marinade
  • 1/4 cup pickled red onion
  • 3 cup romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup arugula
  • 1/4 cup black bean & corn salsa
  • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
  • 1 avocado diced
  • 1/4 cup feta crumbled
  • 1/4 cup tortilla strips
  • 1/3 cup Jalapeno Lime Ranch Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Ortega Chipotle Taco Sauce

Instructions
 

Night before

  • Marinate chicken in Mojo Criollo marinade in the refrigerator
  • Mix together Jalapeno Lime Ranch Dressing and add Chipotle Taco Sauce and refrigerate overnight
  • Mix together Quick Overnight Pickles and place rings from 1/2 red onion in

Time to Eat

  • Cook chicken breasts – I air fry at 350 for 12-15 minutes – depending on size/thickness. Flip halfway thru and temp to 160-165. Let rest until ready to serve. 
  • Slice chicken breast into strips, core avocado and dice 
  • In 2 salad bowls, layer the lettuce and arugula.
  • Top with 1/4 cup red onions, salsa, diced avocado, sliced chicken, feta, tortilla strips and fresh cilantro, if desired. 
  • Toss with dressing.

Notes

Tips & Tricks
How can I jazz up bottled ranch for this recipe?
I would reco starting with my Jalapeno Lime Ranch – but if you have bottled ranch – you can add juice from a lime, grated jalapeno and chipotle pepper seasoning!
Where do you get pickled red onions?
You make them!!!! I always have the base for these No Cook Refrigerator Pickles in the fridge – most of the time – it’s full of red onion just so I have them on hand. You can use them after they’ve set overnight – but the longer they’re in the juice – the softer and more pickled they’ll get! Or – you can always use raw red onions. 
How do you make your chicken like Panera?
They always marinate in a Citrus Pepper marinade and my best copycat is this Mojo Criollo marinade – it’s super cheap and adds so much to the chicken!
What’s the best way to cook chicken for this recipe?
I always make chicken breast in the air fryer! Depending on the size of the chicken breast – I air fry at 350 for 12-15 minutes – flipping halfway thru. Temp check with a meat thermometer to 160 and then let it rest for 5 minutes so the juices absorb into the chicken.
You can also bake chicken for 25 min at 350 or grill on stovetop or outdoor grill
How many calories are in the Panera Southwest Chicken Salad?
Panera’s version has 680 calories. My version has 708 calories.

Nutrition

Serving: 1saladCalories: 708kcalCarbohydrates: 29.3gProtein: 49.6gFat: 45.2gSaturated Fat: 9.7gCholesterol: 149mgSodium: 1297mgFiber: 10.1gSugar: 7gCalcium: 227mgIron: 5mg
Keyword chicken, chicken salad, copycat, panera, ranch
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Pin
Share
Tweet
Share

copycat, poultry, recipe

Previous Post: « Weight Watchers Chicken Salad Recipe
Next Post: Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks »

Get three easy and delicious FREE recipes every week!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Welcome To My Blog!

Hi! My name is Heather Johnson and I’m the hussy behind Food Hussy!

I’m a food & travel blogger and have been blogging since 2008. I started out with restaurant reviews in Cincinnati but have since expanded to recipes, road trips, DIY projects and am ready for my future on The Food Network (someday)!

 

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Get three easy and delicious FREE recipes every week!

Open
Air Fryer Asparagus is one of my favorite side dishes! You don’t need anything but the vegetable and your air fryer – delicious every time! And it only takes a few minutes! Swipe to see where the right spot is to snap your spears!

#airfryerfans #airfryerphilips #airfryeroven #philipsairfryer #airfryercooking #airfryerrecipes #airfryerrecipe #phillipsairfryer #airfryer #asparagus
Open
I've found a new fav restaurant! Have you been to Phoenician Taverna in Mason? It's Lebanese food and soooo good! They had something that was just whipped garlic - I could bathe in it! This is the Mezza platter - with little bits and bites of everything! The Labneh and the little empanada thing were my fav - omg - so much yum!!!! ⁣
⁣
 #foodblogs #cincinnatiblogger #foodadventure #foodies #foodblogger #lebanesefood #lebanese #labneh #livininthecin #restaurantreviews #restaurantreview #foodblogger #cincinnati #cincylove #cincyimages #cincytreasures #cincyfood #cincyeats #cincyusa #cincygram #cincinnatiusa #cincinnatigems #cincinnatiblogger #loveland #365cincinnati #yelpcincy #queencityscenes #nomnom
Open
I finally found a way to make delicious Weight Watchers Brownies!!! I had done a couple trial runs that were NOT good – but now I found the winning combination! Swipe to see all 3 ingredients! The best part is that is 4 points per brownie across all plans – not bad for some ACTUAL CHOCOLATE!

#weightwatchersonline #weightwatchers #weightwatchersfamily #brownies #chocolate #ww #wwcommunity #wwsisterhood #wwfooddiary #wwfamily #wwsmartpoints #wwonline #wwsupport #weightwatchersgirl 
@pillsbury @pillsburybaking
Open
I've got a secret about this pic - everything in it is KETO FRIENDLY! @awesomeblossombakery is now available @junglejimsmarket! My favorite - by far - were the pink donuts! They were moist and so yum! I also love supporting local businesses that get such a big win! 

#ketogenic #ketogenicdiet #ketofriendly #ketobaking #ketobakery #donuts #ketogeniclifestyle #cincinnati #junglejims #ohioproud
Open
Making air fryer chicken breasts are definitely one of my go-to dishes – I’ve never had a juicier piece of chicken in my life! I have two ways that I make my chicken and I’m sharing BOTH with you today. Breaded and plain marinated – both ways are delicious!⁣
⁣
⁣
#airfryerfans #airfryerphilips #airfryeroven #philipsairfryer #airfryercooking #airfryerrecipes #airfryerrecipe #phillipsairfryer #airfryer #chickenbreast #chicken #airfryerchicken
Open
With the holidays fast approaching, quick and easy side dishes are always needed! This Jarlsberg Dip Macaroni Salad is going to be a sure fire hit at your dinner table! Plus it's SO SIMPLE to make!⁣
⁣
⁣
#instafood #yum #yummy #yumyum #delicious #food #stuffed #foodpic #foodpics #instagood #sogood #lovefood #recipe #homemade #homecook #homecooked #homecooking #homechef #whatsfordinnertonight #whatsfordinner #whatsforlunch #recipeoftheday #jarlsberg #jarlsbergdip #macaronisalad #thanksgiving #thanksgivingprep
Open
This Copycat Texas Roadhouse Steak Seasoning is dead-on to the real thing! How do I know? I went to Texas Roadhouse and asked for some seasoning on the side! Then I took it home to copycat it! I did a side-by-side taste & create to make my own copycat version.⁣
⁣
#copycat #copycatrecipes #copycatrecipe #foodblogs #cincinnatiblogger #foodietribe #yummyfoods #cheatmeal #cheatday #recipe #homemade #cooking #homecook #homecooking #instagrood #foodielove #foodiepics #texasroadhouse #steakseasoning
Open
These Weight Watchers Meatballs are super healthy and range from 0-2 points on Weight Watchers (depending on your plan)! You wouldn’t think something like BBQ Meatballs could be healthy! These are great on top of cauliflower rice or straight up with a toothpick and fresh veggies!⁣
⁣
#weightwatchers #meatballs #bbqmeatballs #airfryermeatballs #ww ⁣
#airfryerfans #airfryerphilips #airfryeroven #philipsairfryer #airfryercooking #airfryerrecipes #airfryerrecipe #phillipsairfryer #airfryer
Open
This Weight Watchers Lasagna Soup is so delicious! It’s warm and comforting and there’s no actual pasta in it! But I’ve got a special surprise to take it’s place – and I loved it! This soup even has a touch of cheese and is 5 points on Green and 4 each on the Blue and Purple plans.⁣
⁣
#weightwatchers #lasagnasoup #ww #lasagna #greenplan #weightwatchersonline
Open
Weight Watchers Chicken Broccoli casserole has all the flavors you love but so much less fat and calories! Swapping out the regular rice for cauliflower rice is a great start – but I have a couple other tweaks you’ll have to check out! This serves a family or leaves you with leftovers for a quick lunch!⁣
⁣
⁣
#weightwatchers ⁣
#foodblogs #cincinnatiblogger #foodietribe #foodieblog #igfoodies #yummyfoods #yummiest #foodlog #foodielove #instafoodgram #foodiepics #igfoodporn #foodblogeats #foodadventure #foodies #foodblogger #foodphotography #recipesharing #foodie #foodporn #food #dinnerrecipes #foodrecipes #simplerecipes #recipeshare #easyrecipes
Open
Mary Mac’s Tea Room is an institution in Atlanta and Flora has made this dish for 35 years! It’s the gold standard for Southern oven baked macaroni and cheese – and luckily – it’s super quick and easy to make!⁣
⁣
#marymacs #atlanta #macandcheese #macaroniandcheese #copycat #copycatrecipe
Open
This is by far the BEST Weight Watchers cabbage soup you’ll ever have! It’s so much more – filled with every vegetable I could think of and I added ground turkey. Two cups of this hearty soup is only 0/1 POINT! (If you’re not on WW – it means it’s super healthy!!!) I’ve been astounded at how much I enjoyed all of these leftovers!⁣
⁣
#weightwatchers #ww #cabbagesoup #cabbage #recipe ⁣
#foodblogs #cincinnatiblogger #foodietribe #foodieblog #igfoodies #yummyfoods #yummiest #foodlog #foodielove #instafoodgram #foodiepics #igfoodporn #foodblogeats #foodadventure #foodies #foodblogger #foodphotography #recipesharing #foodie #foodporn #food #dinnerrecipes
Open
Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower is so simple and delicious! Two ingredients and it’s done in 15 minutes. I had roasted cauliflower as a topping at a salad bar and thought – I bet I can make this myself – and it was even tastier!⁣
⁣
#airfryerfans #airfryerphilips #airfryeroven #philipsairfryer #airfryercooking #airfryerrecipes #airfryerrecipe #phillipsairfryer #airfryer #cauliflower
Open
This Weight Watchers Taco Soup recipe is going to keep you warm and losing weight this winter! I was able to keep the points down by using all your favorite ingredients but also a few key swaps. This easy Taco Soup recipe also has some extra zip from a packet of ranch seasoning!⁣
⁣
#weightwatchers #ww #tacosoup ⁣
#foodblogs #cincinnatiblogger #foodietribe #foodieblog #igfoodies #yummyfoods #yummiest #foodlog #foodielove #instafoodgram #foodiepics #igfoodporn #foodblogeats #foodadventure #foodies #foodblogger #foodphotography #recipesharing #foodie #foodporn #food #dinnerrecipes #foodrecipes #simplerecipes #recipeshare #easyrecipes
Open
Air Fryer Pork Chops are a game-changer! There’s no mess and you can’t mess them up! I found a great deal on pork chops a few weeks ago – so I brought them home and portioned them out and popped them in my deep freeze!⁣
⁣
⁣
#airfryerfans #airfryerphilips #airfryeroven #philipsairfryer #airfryercooking #airfryerrecipes #airfryerrecipe #phillipsairfryer #airfryer #porkchops #ohiopork
Open
It’s a new year and that means HEALTHY food starts today! These Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are also made for Weight Watchers! You won’t believe that 1 1/2 peppers are only 1-2 points (depending on your plan) and for those not on WW – I’ll tell you – they are delicious AND HEALTHY!⁣
⁣
⁣
#airfryerfans #airfryerphilips #airfryeroven #philipsairfryer #airfryercooking #airfryerrecipes #airfryerrecipe #phillipsairfryer #airfryer #weightwatchers #ww #stuffedpeppers
Open
You’re going to be shocked when you bite into this Copycat Starbucks Banana Bread and realize it’s pretty healthy too! That’s right – only 4 Weight Watchers points (all plans) – and I’ve got Air Fryer instructions as well!⁣
⁣
⁣
#copycat #copycatrecipes #copycatrecipe #foodblogs #cincinnatiblogger #foodietribe #yummyfoods #cheatmeal #cheatday #recipe #homemade #cooking #homecook #homecooking #instagrood #foodielove #foodiepics #weightwatchers #ww #bananabread #starbucks
Open
The Meximelt at Taco Bell was one of my absolute favorite menu items – but it’s no longer on the menu! Ugh – the tragedy! This Copycat Taco Bell Meximelt brings it back to your kitchen by combining a taco and a quesadilla into a melty taco of goodness.⁣
⁣
⁣
#copycat #copycatrecipes #copycatrecipe #foodblogs #cincinnatiblogger #foodietribe #yummyfoods #cheatmeal #cheatday #recipe #homemade #cooking #homecook #homecooking #instagrood #foodielove #foodiepics #tacobell #meximelt
Open
Pork Roulade sounds super fancy but it’s actually super easy to make! Grab a pork tenderloin and let’s get to stuffing it! This is the perfect dinner to impress any friends and family. @ohiopork ⁣
⁣
#foodblogs #foodietribe #foodieblog #igfoodies #yummyfoods #yummiest #foodlog #foodielove #instafoodgram #foodiepics #igfoodporn #foodblogeats#foodadventure #foodies #foodblogger #foodphotography #recipesharing #foodie #foodporn #dinnerrecipes #foodrecipes #simplerecipes #recipeshare #easyrecipes #ohiopork #roulade #porkroulade #pork #porkloin #porktenderloin
Open
Air Fryer Italian Sausage and Peppers is a super quick weeknight meal that’s ready in just 10 minutes! I like to add onions and peppers when I’m making this too. They all go together and taste great when I make Sausage Sandwiches!⁣
⁣
#airfryerfans #airfryerphilips #airfryeroven #philipsairfryer #airfryercooking #airfryerrecipes #airfryerrecipe #phillipsairfryer #airfryer #italiansausage #sausageandpeppers #airfryersausage #pauladeenairfryer
Follow on Instagram
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
There has been a problem with your Instagram Feed.

Footer

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

SEARCH THIS SITE

Get three easy and delicious FREE recipes every week!

CATEGORIES

  • About Me
  • Recipe Index
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2021 · The Food Hussy