Preparing your Spicy Southwest Salad is as easy as following these steps:

1. Prepare the Lettuce: Rinse and chop the romaine lettuce, placing it in a large salad bowl.
2. Rinse the Beans: Open the can of black beans and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Add to the bowl.
3. Add the Corn: If using canned corn, drain it before adding it to the mixture. If using fresh corn, cook it briefly, then cool it before adding.
4. Chop Vegetables: Dice the red bell pepper, onion, and avocado. Halve the cherry tomatoes, then add all the vegetables into the bowl.
5. Include Protein: If you’re adding chicken, shred the cooked chicken breast and mix it in.
6. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Combine Ingredients: Once the dressing is mixed, pour it over the salad and toss well to ensure everything is coated.
8. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro and crumbled feta cheese on top for added flavor and presentation.
9. Serve: Tuck in with your favorite tortilla chips or serve it as a side dish.