Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe
This Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish featuring shredded chicken, black beans, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, spicy dressing. The combination of smoky spices, bright lime, and creamy avocado makes it a perfect meal for lunch or dinner, packed with flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southwestern
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh, canned, or thawed frozen
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch
Instructions
- Whip Up the Creamy Southwest Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy with a slight spice.
- Combine Salad Ingredients in a Big Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, add shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro. Gently toss to mix evenly.
- Dress Your Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and lightly toss using tongs or two large spoons to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to mash the avocado to preserve creaminess.
- Finish with Cheese and Crunch: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the salad. Add tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips if desired for extra texture and crunch.
- Serve and Savor: Serve immediately to enjoy fresh and vibrant flavors, or refrigerate to chill and allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives or omit cheese.
- If you dislike cilantro, substitute with fresh parsley or omit.
- Assemble the salad without avocado and dressing ahead of time; add them just before serving to keep ingredients fresh.
- Freeze shredded chicken separately if planning to store for longer periods; salad is best served fresh.
- Serve salad cold or at room temperature; avoid microwaving to maintain texture and flavor.
- Add jalapeños or extra chili powder to increase spice level.
- Pair with warm tortillas, tortilla soup, Spanish rice, grilled shrimp skewers, or bean dip for a complete Southwest meal.
Keywords: Southwest chicken salad, zesty chicken salad, easy chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, Southwestern cuisine, avocado chicken salad, black bean salad, quick lunch recipe
Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/zesty-southwest-chicken-salad-recipe/
