Description
Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed dish combining tender chicken, black beans, corn, and colorful vegetables, all tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing. Perfect for lunches, dinners, or parties, this salad is as versatile as it is flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 avocado (diced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: If using raw chicken, cook in a skillet or boil until done (15–20 minutes). Cool and shred or dice.
- Chop the vegetables: Dice the red bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the avocado, and finely chop the red onion and cilantro.
- Mix the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine chicken, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine without mashing the avocado.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
- Substitute black beans with kidney beans or chickpeas if desired.
- Replace Greek yogurt with sour cream for a tangier dressing.
- Add cheese like feta or pepper jack for more flavor.
- Keep avocado separate until serving if preparing in advance to avoid browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad, Southwest Salad, Chicken Salad, Healthy Chicken Salad, Summer Salad, Gluten-Free Salad