This Southwest Chicken Salad delivers vibrant flavors with tender chicken, black beans, corn, and avocado tossed in a creamy cilantro lime dressing. It’s the perfect protein-packed meal for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Why You’ll Love Southwest Chicken Salad
This colorful salad is a total game-changer for your weekly menu! Every bite bursts with Tex-Mex flavors from smoky grilled chicken, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and zesty lime dressing. It’s incredibly versatile – serve it as a main dish, wrapped in tortillas, or as a party dip with chips. Plus, it’s loaded with protein and fiber to keep you satisfied for hours. The best part? You can prep it in advance for quick lunches throughout the week, making healthy eating a breeze even on your busiest days!
Southwest Chicken Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen and thawed, or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
For the Cilantro Lime Dressing:
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayo
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tools Used to Make Southwest Chicken Salad
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork for dressing
- Airtight container for storage
How to Make Southwest Chicken Salad
- Prepare the chicken: Cook chicken breasts by grilling, baking, or poaching until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let cool completely before dicing or shredding.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, lime juice, olive oil, honey, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled chicken, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and jalapeño (if using).
- Mix and chill: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Add final touches: Just before serving, fold in the diced avocado and fresh cilantro to maintain their color and texture.
Variations of Southwest Chicken Salad
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and double the black beans or add crispy tofu for protein.
- Spicier Kick: Add extra jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Mango Twist: Add diced fresh mango for a sweet-savory combination.
- Mediterranean Fusion: Substitute feta cheese for avocado and add olives for a Mediterranean twist.
- Quinoa Power Bowl: Serve over a bed of cooked quinoa for an extra protein boost.
- Loaded Nachos: Use the salad as a topping for tortilla chips with melted cheese for a fun appetizer.
Serving Southwest Chicken Salad
This versatile salad can be enjoyed in multiple ways! Serve it straight from the bowl as a main dish, wrapped in warm tortillas for a quick lunch, or stuffed into avocado halves for an impressive appetizer. For a complete meal, pair it with tortilla chips on the side or a slice of homemade cheese bread. This salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container (just add the avocado right before serving).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I meal prep this Southwest Chicken Salad?
Prepare all ingredients except avocado and cilantro. Store the dressing separately. Combine everything just before eating for maximum freshness. This way, it will stay delicious for up to 4 days.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds wonderful flavor. Simply shred or dice the meat and proceed with the recipe.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Replace the Greek yogurt in the dressing with dairy-free yogurt or additional mayo. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
The salad contains beans and corn which are higher in carbs. For a keto-friendly version, omit these ingredients and add more avocado and bell peppers instead.
Can I freeze this salad?
I don’t recommend freezing this salad as the vegetables will become mushy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of preparation.
Final Thoughts
This Southwest Chicken Salad brings together protein, fiber, and incredible flavors in one simple dish. Try it this week and customize it to your taste preferences – I’d love to see your creative variations in the comments below!
More Recipes to Try!
- Healthy BLT Chicken Salad Recipe – Another protein-packed salad option
- California Turkey Club Wraps – Perfect for lunch on-the-go
- Festive Chicken Salad Easter Rolls – Great for gatherings
- Fresh Spring Salad with Herb Vinaigrette – Light and refreshing
- Easy Mediterranean Steak Bowls – Another flavorful meal prep option
Slug: zesty-southwest-chicken-salad-recipe