Description
A vibrant and flavorful Southwest Chicken Salad featuring shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and fresh vegetables tossed in a zesty, creamy dressing with a hint of smoky spice. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, served with tortilla chips, crostini, or in wraps.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad 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 Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion or green onions, fresh cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, lime juice, and mayo or Greek yogurt along with the hot sauce. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill (Optional): If time permits, refrigerate the salad for about 15 minutes. This step is optional but helps the flavors meld together, enhancing the taste.
- Add Avocado: Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado to keep it fresh and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, piled onto crostini, or tucked inside lettuce cups or wraps for a light meal.
Notes
- You can use canned chicken or fresh shredded rotisserie chicken based on preference.
- Adjust the hot sauce amount according to your heat tolerance.
- The salad tastes best if given time to chill, but can also be served immediately.
- Add avocado right before serving to prevent browning.
- Serve with tortilla chips, crostini, or wraps to add crunch and variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
