This colorful Southwest Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and zesty spices. It has black beans, corn, and a hint of lime that make it super refreshing!
I can’t resist the crunch of the veggies and the kick of flavor. It’s perfect for lunch, and I love how easy it is to whip up. Plus, it feels great to eat something so healthy! 🌽🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Grilled or rotisserie chicken works best for this salad since it adds great flavor. If you have leftover chicken from a previous meal, that’s perfect too. You can even use shredded turkey for a different twist!
Black Beans: These are essential for protein and texture. If you don’t have black beans, other beans like kidney or pinto beans can work in a pinch. Try to drain and rinse them well to lower the sodium content.
Corn: Fresh corn adds sweetness, but frozen or canned corn are great alternatives. Just make sure to thaw and drain any extra moisture if using frozen or canned corn.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the salad. If you’re not a fan, try parsley or omit it altogether. You still get a delicious salad without the cilantro.
Greek Yogurt: I love using Greek yogurt for a creamy dressing that’s healthier than sour cream. If you want a dairy-free option, consider using a plant-based yogurt instead.
How do I Make the Dressing Creamy and Flavorful?
The dressing is where a lot of flavor comes from! Start by mixing Greek yogurt (or your choice of sour cream) with mayonnaise for extra creaminess. The lime juice brings a nice tang and the taco seasoning adds a great spice kick.
- In a small bowl, blend yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the flavors if needed, adding more lime juice for tartness or seasoning for more heat.
Remember, letting the salad chill for about 30 minutes can enhance the flavors even more, so don’t skip this step! Enjoy your vibrant Southwest Chicken Salad!
How to Make Southwest Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (grilled or rotisserie)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish (optional):
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds or tortilla strips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare. If you have a bit of extra time, you can chill the salad for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. Total time is approximately 45 minutes if you choose to chill it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. Give it a gentle stir so everything is nicely mixed together and ready for dressing.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, lime juice, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This creamy dressing is what brings all the flavors together!
3. Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Taste it and adjust seasoning if needed by adding a pinch more salt, pepper, or a splash of lime juice for extra zing!
4. Chill and Garnish:
If you’re not in a hurry, chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let all the flavors meld together. Just before serving, sprinkle with pumpkin seeds or tortilla strips for a delightful crunch, if you like!
Enjoy your refreshing Southwest Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Canned Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Canned chicken can be a convenient substitute. Just drain it well and shred it before mixing it into the salad. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still taste great!
How to Make This Salad Vegetarian?
You can easily make this salad vegetarian by replacing the chicken with additional beans, such as chickpeas or more black beans, and adding extra veggies like avocado or grilled zucchini for richness.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can! It’s best to prepare the salad up to step 4, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add the garnish right before serving to keep it crunchy!
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the dressing is separate, it will help keep the ingredients fresher longer. Just mix it all together before enjoying again!
