Description
This Southwestern Chicken Salad is a fresh and satisfying meal packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, black beans, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, it delivers bold Southwestern flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/3 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the cooked chicken, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, cheddar cheese, and chopped romaine lettuce to a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the fresh cilantro over the top and lightly toss again.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For best freshness, store the dressing separately and add before serving.
Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
Crushed tortilla chips make a great crunchy topping.
Substitute grilled shrimp or turkey for the chicken if desired.
To make vegetarian, replace chicken with chickpeas or grilled tofu.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
