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This vibrant Southwest Chicken Salad is a perfect combination of protein rich shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing. It works beautifully for quick weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend brunches, delivering bold flavors and plenty of nutrition all in one bowl.
I first whipped this up on a hectic weekday evening and was amazed at how quickly it came together. Now it’s a goto whenever I want something healthy but satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Shredded rotisserie chicken or canned chicken: Two cups shredded rotisserie chicken or two cans of chicken drained for a quick protein base
- Corn: Half a cup canned fresh or thawed frozen adds natural sweetness and texture
- Black beans: Half a cup rinsed and drained for fiber and earthiness
- Red bell pepper: One third cup finely diced for crispness and color
- Red or green onion: Quarter cup finely diced providing sharpness and freshness
- Fresh cilantro: Quarter cup chopped infusing brightness and herbaceous notes
- Avocado: One small avocado diced for creaminess and healthy fats
- Lime juice: Juice of one lime adds a zesty tang that brightens the salad
- Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: Half a cup or a mix of both to create a creamy and balanced dressing
- Hot sauce or chipotle sauce: One teaspoon giving a smoky heat
- Cumin: Half teaspoon lending warmth and depth
- Smoked paprika: Quarter teaspoon for subtle smokiness
- Salt and pepper: To taste to season perfectly
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients:
- Drain the chicken corn and beans thoroughly to avoid excess liquid. Dice the bell pepper onion and avocado into uniform bitesized pieces to ensure even mixing and easy eating. Chop the cilantro finely to distribute flavor well throughout the salad.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl combine mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with hot sauce cumin smoked paprika salt and pepper. Whisk together tasting as you go to balance spice and creaminess. Adjust seasoning gently so it complements but does not overpower.
- Combine the Salad Components:
- In a large mixing bowl add shredded chicken corn black beans diced bell pepper diced onion chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice. Toss these together so the ingredients are evenly mixed and the lime juice starts melding flavors.
- Add the Dressing:
- Pour the prepared dressing over the mixed salad ingredients. Using a big spoon fold everything carefully but thoroughly so every bite has a coating of the creamy spicy dressing without crushing the delicate veggies.
- Incorporate the Avocado:
- Just before serving fold in the diced avocado. This step ensures the avocado stays fresh and creamy without turning mushy or browning.
- Serve It Up:
- Enjoy the salad chilled on its own in bowls wrapped inside soft tortillas or accompanied by crispy tortilla chips for additional texture and crunch.
I absolutely love the fresh lime juice in this salad. It really lifts and brightens the other flavors without being overpowering. One memorable time I made this for a casual backyard gathering and watching everyone go back for seconds reminded me how sometimes the simplest dishes become the most loved ones.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the avocado from browning too quickly. For best texture eat within two days. To prolong avocado freshness sprinkle with a little extra lime juice and store separately to fold in just before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
Rotisserie chicken can be swapped for cooked shredded turkey or even canned tuna if preferred. Corn can be omitted or replaced with diced mango for a sweeter alternative. Use Greek yogurt in place of mayo to lighten the dish without compromising creaminess. Smoked paprika may be substituted with mild chili powder if unavailable.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with warm tortillas for an easy wrap or alongside crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch. Add a handful of shredded cheese or a spoonful of salsa for more layered flavors or serve with a simple side of cilantro lime rice or black beans for a fuller meal.
This Southwest Chicken Salad is quick flavorful and ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve chilled or wrapped for a satisfying meal.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → What ingredients add protein in this salad?
Shredded chicken, black beans, and a yogurt or mayo-based dressing provide a rich protein content in this salad.
- → Can I make the dressing spicier?
Yes, increasing the amount of hot sauce or chipotle sauce will add more heat while maintaining a smoky flavor.
- → Is fresh or canned corn better for this dish?
Both fresh and canned corn work well; fresh offers a crunchier texture, while canned is convenient and sweet.
- → How should I serve this salad for a gathering?
Serve chilled in bowls, wrapped in tortillas, or alongside crispy tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing presentation.
- → Can avocado be substituted or omitted?
Avocado adds creaminess, but if unavailable, creamy elements like extra yogurt or a mild cheese can be used instead.