Southwest Chicken Salad (20g Protein) Recipe
A flavorful and protein-packed Southwest Chicken Salad combining tender shredded chicken, corn, black beans, and fresh vegetables, tossed in a zesty, smoky dressing. This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner and can be served with tortilla chips, crostini, or lettuce wraps.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southwestern
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Base:
- 2 cans chicken, drained and flaked OR 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup corn, canned or thawed from frozen
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/3 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion or green onions, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small avocado, diced (add just before serving)
- Juice of 1 lime
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp hot sauce or chipotle sauce
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, red or green onions, fresh cilantro, and diced avocado (reserve avocado until just before serving to maintain freshness).
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, hot sauce or chipotle sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture along with the juice of one lime. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the flavors.
- Chill (Optional): For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for about 15 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld together, though this step is optional and it can be served immediately if preferred.
- Serve: Enjoy the Southwest Chicken Salad with tortilla chips, on crostini, or wrapped in lettuce cups or tortillas for a lighter option.
Notes
- For the freshest taste, add the diced avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- May use either mayonnaise or Greek yogurt depending on your preference for creaminess and tang.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your spice tolerance.
- This salad stores well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh.
- Substitute canned chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for a fresher option.
Keywords: southwest chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, low fat chicken salad, quick chicken salad, no cook chicken recipe, high protein salad
