Go Back
+ servings
Southwest Chicken Salad

Bold and Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad for Quick Meals

This Southwest Chicken Salad gives a flavorful twist to your meal prep with vibrant ingredients and a zesty kick.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Southwest
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken use leftover roasted or store-bought chicken
  • 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn can substitute with diced bell peppers
  • 1-2 pieces fresh jalapeños adjust according to spice tolerance
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes quartered
  • ½ cup red onion finely diced; can use green onions for milder flavor
  • ¼ cup pepitas or sunflower seeds optional but recommended
For the Dressing
  • ½ cup mayo or Greek yogurt use dairy-free alternatives if needed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice essential for flavor
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • a pinch salt

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of mayo (or Greek yogurt) with the juice of one fresh lime. Add 1 teaspoon each of chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and paprika, along with a pinch of salt. Whisk the ingredients together vigorously for about 2-3 minutes until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, gather 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, 1 can of rinsed black beans, 1 cup of corn, and 1-2 finely chopped fresh jalapeños. Toss in 1 cup of quartered cherry tomatoes and ½ cup of finely diced red onion. If using pepitas or sunflower seeds, include about ¼ cup at this stage.
  3. Pour the prepared dressing over the combined ingredients in the large bowl. Using a sturdy spatula, gently fold the mixture together for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring that the dressing fully coats each ingredient without breaking up the chicken or vegetables.
  4. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or portion it into bowls. Enjoy immediately, served on its own, tucked into a sandwich, or laid over a bed of greens.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for maximum freshness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!