Description
A vibrant and flavorful Southwest Chicken Salad combining shredded chicken, beans, corn, and fresh veggies with a zesty, smoky dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal served on its own, with tortilla chips, or in wraps and lettuce cups.
Ingredients
Scale
Base:
- 2 cans chicken, drained and flaked OR 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup corn, canned or thawed from frozen
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/3 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion or green onions, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small avocado, diced (add just before serving)
- Juice of 1 lime
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayo or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp hot sauce or chipotle sauce
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the chicken, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion or green onions, cilantro, lime juice, and diced avocado. Add the mayo or Greek yogurt along with hot sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the salad (optional): If time permits, refrigerate the salad for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop a more cohesive taste. This step is optional but enhances the overall flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy the Southwest Chicken Salad as a standalone dish, with tortilla chips for dipping, piled onto toasted crostini, or served in lettuce cups or wraps for a lighter option.
Notes
- Adding avocado just before serving prevents it from browning and keeps the salad fresh.
- You can substitute mayo with Greek yogurt to reduce fat and add creaminess.
- Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred level of spiciness.
- This salad stores well for up to 2 days in the refrigerator but is best eaten fresh to enjoy the avocado and texture.
- Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut for this recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
