This Southwest Chicken Salad is a colorful mix of juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and zesty flavors, all tossed together for a tasty meal. It’s like a fiesta on your plate!
I love how crunchy and satisfying it is! Add some tortilla strips on top for extra fun. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up—perfect for busy days or a quick lunch.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken is the star of this salad. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease, or leftover grilled chicken if you have some on hand. If you’re vegetarian, try substituting with chickpeas for protein!
Black Beans: These beans add protein and fiber. If you have kidney beans or pinto beans instead, feel free to swap those in. A can of chickpeas can also work if you’re looking for a different taste.
Corn: Fresh corn is delicious, but frozen or canned corn is a great quick alternative. If you like a bit more sweetness, consider using sweet corn as it adds a nice flavor balance.
Bell Peppers: Both green and red bell peppers are great here. I prefer red for its sweetness, but if they’re not available, yellow or orange peppers make a lovely substitute.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt offers creaminess with less fat. If you prefer, sour cream works too, or use an avocado cream for a dairy-free option!
How Do I Make Sure All the Ingredients Mix Well Together?
The mixing step is key to a tasty salad. Start building the base with your chicken, beans, and vegetables. Make sure they’re well combined before you add any dressing.
- In a large bowl, gently but thoroughly toss the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
- Mix the dressing in a separate bowl until smooth. This ensures even distribution of flavors when combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently but thoroughly. You want everything coated without squashing the veggies.
- Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting period lets the flavors mingle, making for a more delicious salad!
How to Make Southwest Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Components:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell pepper (green or red), diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Optional: pumpkin seeds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Southwest Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an extra 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator for all the flavors to blend together beautifully. In total, you’ll need about 45 minutes before it’s ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. Mix everything together using a large spoon, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, lime juice, taco seasoning, and a little salt and pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing will add a burst of flavor!
3. Mix it All Together:
Pour the dressing over your chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are nicely coated with the dressing. This is where all the flavors start to come to life!
4. Taste and Adjust:
Take a small taste of your salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or lime juice according to your preference. It’s important to make it just right for your taste!
5. Chill and Serve:
For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This helps the ingredients meld together. When you’re ready to serve, scoop the salad into bowls and, if you like, sprinkle some pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch. Enjoy your delicious Southwest Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works great in this recipe. Just make sure to shred it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, it adds extra flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular sour cream or plain yogurt as a substitute. For a dairy-free option, try using cashew cream or a vegan sour cream alternative.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully, so it’s great to enjoy again! Just give it a good stir before serving.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad with other veggies like cucumbers, avocado, or shredded carrots. Just be sure to adjust the dressing quantity if you add a lot of extra ingredients to keep the salad well coated!
