This Southwest Chicken Salad is a colorful mix of grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and zesty toppings. It’s like a party in a bowl that’s healthy and filling!
I love adding a splash of lime juice for extra flavor. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner, and you can whip it up in no time. Who knew eating healthy could taste this good? 🌽🍗🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my favorite for its flavor and convenience. If you don’t have any, cooked and shredded chicken breast or thighs work well. You can also use a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option.
Corn: You can use canned corn or frozen corn that you’ve thawed. If you’re looking for a different taste, try using diced avocado for creaminess or chickpeas for texture. Both are great alternatives!
Black Beans: These are essential for protein and texture. Canned black beans are super easy, but if you prefer, you can use pinto beans or even kidney beans. Just make sure to rinse them well!
Fresh Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper all bring color and crunch. Feel free to swap these out for any bell peppers, or even diced cucumber if you’d like a twist.
Cilantro: This herb adds a fresh flavor to the salad, but if you’re not a fan, you can leave it out or use parsley as a milder alternative.
Dressings: I love using Greek yogurt for creaminess and added protein. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you could just stick with yogurt and skip the mayo.
How Can I Make Sure My Dressing is Perfectly Mixed?
Getting your dressing to blend well makes a big difference in the flavor of your salad. It’s super easy! You want to combine the ingredients smoothly so every bite is delicious.
- In a bowl, first mix the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) with the mayonnaise until smooth.
- Add lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper next. Whisk until everything is well incorporated.
- To ensure it blends into your salad nicely, taste your dressing before adding to the salad. Adjust seasoning as needed!
Taking the extra time to do this will ensure every bite of your salad is flavorful. Enjoy making it!
How to Make Southwest Chicken Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably rotisserie)
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen, thawed)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Southwest Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 30 minutes to chill in the fridge for the flavors to blend together. In just under an hour, you’ll have a tasty and refreshing salad ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, diced green bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and cilantro (if you like). Give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients nicely.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir well until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Pour your creamy dressing over the chicken mixture in the large bowl. Gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with that delicious dressing.
4. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
Give the salad a taste and see if it needs any extra salt, pepper, or lime juice for a little extra zing. Adjust according to your preference!
5. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mix and taste even better!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, serve your Southwest Chicken Salad on its own, as a fresh filling in wraps, or over a bed of lettuce. Enjoy this delightful salad that’s packed with flavor!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! You can use grilled, baked, or boiled chicken instead of rotisserie. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked and shredded or diced before mixing it into the salad. For a quicker option, canned chicken is also viable, but make sure to drain it well.
How to Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken with 1-2 cups of cooked quinoa or additional beans. You can also add extra vegetables like diced avocado or zucchini for more texture and flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate if possible, although this salad generally holds up well. Just give it a good stir before serving!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad with veggies like corn, black olives, or diced cucumber. Just chop them up and toss them in with the other ingredients. More greens like spinach or kale can also be a delicious addition!
