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Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe

Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe

4.9 from 26 reviews

This Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with black beans, corn, bell peppers, avocado, and a tangy lime dressing. It’s a perfect meal for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/3 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips for crunch

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro.
  3. Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients and gently toss everything together until well coated.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle cheese on top and finish with crunchy tortilla strips or chips if using. Serve immediately or chill until ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • This salad can be customized with additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, diced mango, or a dollop of salsa.
  • For a lighter option, you can use low-fat sour cream or yogurt in the dressing.
  • Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southwest Chicken Salad, Chicken Salad Recipe, Healthy Salad Recipe