Description
A quick and flavorful Southwest Chicken Salad packed with shredded chicken, beans, corn, fresh veggies, and a creamy, zesty dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or snack, served with chips, wraps, or lettuce cups.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Base
- 2 cans chicken (drained and flaked OR 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken)
Vegetables
- 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)
Dressing and Seasonings
- Juice of 1 lime
- 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, mix together the chicken, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, red or green onions, fresh cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the diced avocado, lime juice, mayo or Greek yogurt, and hot sauce. Stir everything thoroughly until the ingredients are well coated and evenly combined.
- Chill (Optional): For enhanced flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional but recommended for best taste.
- Serve: Enjoy the Southwest Chicken Salad on its own or serve it with tortilla chips, as a topping on crostini, or wrapped in lettuce cups or tortillas for a lighter meal or snack.
Notes
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter, tangier dressing.
- Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- Adjust the hot sauce quantity to your preferred spice level.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead; just add avocado last minute.
- Great for meal prep and packed lunches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Keywords: Southwest chicken salad, chicken salad, no-cook salad, quick salad, avocado chicken salad, healthy lunch, easy chicken recipe
