Looking for a fresh and flavorful dish? Southwestern Chicken Salad is the answer! This vibrant salad combines tender chicken with delicious black beans, fire-roasted corn, and crunchy bell peppers. It’s not only a feast for the eyes but also packed with nutrients. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, this salad will energize your taste buds and keep you satisfied.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Just a few simple steps!
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of what’s needed at home.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead and enjoy healthy meals for days.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings or family dinners.
- Unbelievably Delicious: Balanced flavors with a little kick.
You’ll love how this salad stands out with its fresh ingredients and zesty dressing, making it a favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients Needed
- For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup fire-roasted corn
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
How to Make Southwestern Chicken Salad
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked chicken, black beans, fire-roasted corn, and diced bell pepper. Mix them together well.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, take the Greek yogurt and add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Mix It Up: Pour the yogurt dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: If you’d like, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge for up to three days.
How to Serve Southwestern Chicken Salad
This salad is best served chilled. You can pair it with tortilla chips for crunch, or enjoy it on its own for a light meal. For a more filling option, serve it over a bed of mixed greens or inside a tortilla for a delicious wrap.
How to Store Southwestern Chicken Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the ingredients may settle.
Tips to Make Southwestern Chicken Salad
- To keep the salad fresh for longer, add the dressing just before serving.
- Feel free to customize the recipe with other veggies like avocado or cucumber for extra flavor and texture.
- For added protein, consider mixing in some cheese or nuts.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for an extra kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover grilled chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled chicken adds great flavor and saves time.
How do I make this gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just ensure that your ingredients, like black beans and corn, are from certified gluten-free sources.
Is this salad suitable for freezing?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chicken mixture without the dressing for up to two months. Thaw and add dressing before serving.
Conclusion
Southwestern Chicken Salad is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s a great option for meal prep or a refreshing meal anytime. If you tried this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating! We’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you made. Don’t forget to share this delicious recipe on your social media! What variations did you try? Let us know below!
Print
Southwestern Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, High-Protein
Description
A fresh and flavorful salad combining tender chicken with black beans, fire-roasted corn, and crunchy bell peppers, perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup fire-roasted corn
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the cooked chicken, black beans, fire-roasted corn, and diced bell pepper. Mix well.
- In a separate small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge for up to three days.
Notes
To keep the salad fresh for longer, add the dressing just before serving. Customize with other veggies like avocado or cucumber, or add cheese or nuts for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg