This Easy Southwest Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing. It’s crunchy, colorful, and packed with flavors!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor. If you’re vegetarian, consider using chickpeas or grilled tofu for a protein boost.
Canned Black Beans: These are essential for protein and fiber. You can use pinto beans or even kidney beans if you prefer a different taste.
Canned Corn: Sweet corn enhances the salad. Fresh or frozen corn can also work well—just cook it before adding for a crunchier texture.
Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add color and crunch. Feel free to switch to any color bell pepper, or omit them for a simpler salad.
Greek Yogurt: It gives creaminess and a bit of tang. If you’re avoiding dairy, use a plant-based yogurt or sour cream instead.
How Can I Make the Dressing Just Right?
The dressing pulls the whole salad together, so it’s important to get it right. Start by mixing mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for creaminess, then add spices to elevate the flavor.
- Whisk together the mayo, yogurt, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste—add more lime juice for tang or more chili powder for heat.
- Let the dressing sit for a few minutes before mixing it into the salad. This helps the flavors blend well.
Remember to taste your salad after adding the dressing. It’s easier to adjust flavor after mixing!
Easy Southwest Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper or jalapeño (optional for spice)
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and another 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, in just about 50 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and refreshing salad ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, black beans, corn, chopped red and green bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, pepitas, and shredded cheddar cheese. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together evenly.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine the Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. It’s important to get every piece all dressed up!
4. Taste and Adjust:
Give your salad a taste. If you feel it needs a bit more flavor, sprinkle in some extra salt, black pepper, or a dash more lime juice until it tastes just right for you.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps all the flavors blend beautifully.
6. Enjoy Your Salad:
Serve the salad chilled—either on its own as a hearty meal or with tortilla chips for some extra crunch. You can even use it as a filling for tacos. Enjoy the colorful, creamy, and flavor-packed Southwest Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. It saves time and adds great flavor to your salad. Just shred it into bite-sized pieces before mixing it in.
How Can I Make This Salad Spicier?
If you enjoy a kick of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños for extra spice. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or use a spicier chili powder in the dressing. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just give it a gentle stir, as the dressing may separate a little after chilling.
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can make this salad in advance! It’s ideal for meal prep. Just prepare everything except the dressing and store it separately in the fridge. Mix it with the dressing just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crunchy.
