LAYERED SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN SALAD

Layered Southwestern Chicken Salad image

This beautiful salad is pretty enough to be a centerpiece, and it comes together in a snap. But don't tell your guests, they'll think you spent hours on it! -Marci Dietrich of Fairfax Station, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1/2 cup lime juice
1/2 cup sour cream
1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
1 package (10 ounces) hearts of romaine salad mix
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 small red onion, chopped
2 packages (6 ounces each) ready-to-use Southwestern chicken strips
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 can (11 ounces) Mexicorn, drained
1 can (6 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
2 cups coarsely crushed tortilla chips
Additional fresh cilantro leaves

Steps:

For dressing, in a blender, combine the first six ingredients; cover and process until smooth. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Transfer to a small bowl; cover and refrigerate until serving. , In a 4-qt. glass salad bowl, layer the remaining ingredients in the order listed. Serve with dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 511 calories, Fat 32g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 1127mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 22g protein.