This Quick Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. It’s loaded with juicy chicken, crisp veggies, black beans, corn, and a zesty dressing that ties everything together. With a touch of spice and a lot of crunch, this salad is a healthy, satisfying option that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a light weeknight meal or something fresh for lunch, this Southwest Chicken Salad has it all!
Why You’ll Love This Quick Southwest Chicken Salad
- Full of Flavor: Spiced chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing make every bite exciting.
- Easy and Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy days.
- Healthy & Fresh: Packed with protein, fiber, and colorful veggies.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or diced
- 4 cups (120g) mixed greens or romaine lettuce
- 1 cup (165g / 0.36 lb) canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup (165g / 0.36 lb) canned corn, drained
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup (75g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup (60g / 0.13 lb) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup (15g) chopped cilantro (optional)
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips, for topping (optional)
For the Dressing
- ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice (juice of 1 lime)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
Directions
Step 1: Cook or Prep the Chicken
- Cook the Chicken:
If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, grill, bake, or sauté the chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and chili powder for flavor. Once cooked, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- Layer the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, start with a bed of mixed greens or romaine lettuce. Add the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. - Add the Cheese and Cilantro (Optional):
If using, sprinkle shredded cheese and chopped cilantro on top.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- Whisk the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
- Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated. - Top with Tortilla Strips (Optional):
For added crunch, sprinkle tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Meal Prep Option: Store the dressing separately if making ahead to keep the salad fresh.
- Make It Vegan: Omit the chicken and cheese, and use grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas for protein.
- Spice It Up: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover salad (without dressing) in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing in an airtight container and toss just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great and saves even more time.
How do I make this salad dairy-free?
Simply skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to keep it dairy-free.
What can I use instead of chicken?
You can use grilled shrimp, steak, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Can I use a store-bought dressing?
Yes! A store-bought Southwest or ranch dressing works perfectly if you’re short on time.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Add a scoop of cooked quinoa, brown rice, or serve with a side of warm tortillas.
Tips and Notes
- My Tip: For extra flavor, char the corn in a hot skillet for a smoky touch.
- Pro Trick: Toss the avocado in lime juice before adding it to the salad to prevent browning.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair this salad with a cold iced tea or a refreshing lemonade for a light, summery meal.
Variations
- Southwest Shrimp Salad: Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp and add some diced bell peppers.
- Spicy Southwest Salad: Add roasted poblano peppers and a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick.
- Southwest Taco Salad: Use ground beef or turkey seasoned with taco spices and serve with salsa and sour cream.
- Vegan Southwest Salad: Replace the chicken with blackened tofu or roasted sweet potatoes.
- Southwest Chicken Wrap: Roll this salad up in a large tortilla for a portable, tasty wrap.

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups cooked chicken breast, diced Grilled or rotisserie chicken works well.
- 1 cup corn kernels Fresh or canned, drained.
- 1 cup black beans Rinsed and drained.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped Or any leafy green of your choice.
- 0.5 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped Fresh cilantro for garnish.
- 0.5 cup southwest dressing Use your favorite brand or homemade.
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked chicken, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and romaine lettuce.
- Toss the salad with the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro.
- Drizzle the southwest dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine evenly.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Southwest Chicken Salad.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast boneless, skinless
- 1 cup black beans canned, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn cooked
- 2 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Grill the chicken breasts until fully cooked and let them rest before slicing.
- In a large bowl, combine black beans, corn, lettuce, tomatoes, and sliced chicken.
- Toss the salad with your favorite Southwest dressing and serve immediately.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups diced grilled chicken use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for faster prep
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels canned or frozen
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large salad bowl, combine the diced chicken, black beans, corn, and cherry tomatoes.
- Toss the ingredients together until well mixed.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup grilled chicken breast sliced
- 0.5 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 0.5 cup corn cooked
- 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes halved
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, black beans, corn, and cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle your favorite lime vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast boneless, skinless
- 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn cooked
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup bell pepper diced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Grill the chicken breast on a preheated grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly.
- In a large bowl, combine black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper.
- Add lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper to the bowl and toss to coat.
- Top the salad with sliced chicken and serve immediately.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups grilled chicken breast chopped
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 0.25 cup black beans drained and rinsed
- 0.25 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 0.25 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons lime juice fresh
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, and cheddar cheese.
- Add the grilled chicken on top of the salad mixture.
- Drizzle with lime juice and sprinkle with ground cumin.
- Toss everything together to combine and serve immediately.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken Use rotisserie chicken for convenience
- 1 cup corn kernels Fresh or canned
- 1 cup black beans Drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper Chopped
- 2 cups romaine lettuce Chopped
- 0.5 cup ranch dressing For topping
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, and romaine lettuce.
- Drizzle with ranch dressing and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces Chicken breasts Grilled and sliced
- 1 cup Corn kernels Fresh or canned
- 1 cup Black beans Drained and rinsed
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Halved
- 1 cup Romaine lettuce Chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Grill the chicken breasts until fully cooked, then slice into strips.
- In a large bowl, combine corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and romaine lettuce.
- Add sliced chicken to the salad and toss everything together with your favorite dressing.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast grilled and chopped
- 1.5 cups black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn fresh or canned
- 2 cups mixed greens washed and dried
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 0.25 cup cilantro chopped
- 0.25 cup lime juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled chicken, black beans, corn, and chopped cilantro.
- Add the mixed greens and cherry tomatoes. Toss gently to combine.
- Drizzle with lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for a few minutes for a cold salad.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken skinless
- 1 cup corn kernels canned or fresh
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, and cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle with lime juice and sprinkle with ground cumin. Toss everything gently to combine.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups grilled chicken breast diced
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1.5 cups corn fresh or frozen, thawed
- 2 cups mixed greens
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine the grilled chicken, black beans, corn, and mixed greens.
- Toss the salad with your favorite southwest dressing.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast grilled and sliced
- 1 cup corn fresh or canned
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 avocado diced
- 0.5 cup cilantro chopped
- 0.25 cup lime juice freshly squeezed
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except for lime juice.
- Drizzle lime juice over the salad and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken breast grilled and sliced
- 1 cup corn kernels cooked
- 0.5 cup black beans rinsed
- 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup romaine lettuce chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine grilled chicken, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce.
- Toss with your favorite Southwest dressing and serve immediately.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded
- 1 cup sweet corn thawed if frozen
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 avocado avocado diced
- 0.25 cup cilantro chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sweet corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro.
- Add lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything gently to mix well.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups grilled chicken breast chopped
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh or canned
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 avocado ripe avocado sliced
- 0.25 cup cilantro chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine the grilled chicken, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and romaine lettuce.
- Top with sliced avocado and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
- Drizzle your favorite dressing over the salad just before serving.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn canned or fresh
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 piece avocado diced
- 0.5 cup red onion chopped
- 0.25 cup cilantro chopped
- 0.5 cup ranch dressing as needed
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
- Drizzle with ranch dressing and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast grilled and sliced
- 1 cup corn roasted
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 medium red bell pepper diced
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Grill the chicken breast until fully cooked, approximately 5 minutes per side.
- In a large bowl, combine corn, black beans, red bell pepper, avocado, and cherry tomatoes.
- Add grilled chicken slices to the salad mixture and toss gently.
- Serve the salad with your favorite dressing.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast boneless, skinless
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 piece avocado diced
- 0.5 piece lime juiced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.25 cup cilantro chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breast with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
- Cut the grilled chicken into strips.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro.
- Squeeze lime juice and drizzle olive oil over the salad. Toss to combine.
- Top the salad with the sliced grilled chicken.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast cooked and shredded
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh or canned
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 0.5 cup red onion diced
- 1 avocado ripe avocado diced
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and avocado.
- Toss the salad with your favorite dressing and serve immediately.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken breast, cooked and shredded Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1 cup corn kernels canned or fresh
- 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 0.5 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Mexican blend
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, corn, black beans, tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese.
- Toss with your favorite vinaigrette or southwest dressing before serving.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast Cooked and shredded
- 1 cup corn Fresh or canned
- 1 cup black beans Rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes Halved
- 1 large avocado Diced
- 0.25 cup cilantro Chopped
- 0.5 cup ranch dressing Southwest style
- 1 tbsp lime juice Fresh
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and lime juice.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast grilled and sliced
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup romaine lettuce chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Grill the chicken breast until cooked through and slice it into strips.
- In a large bowl, combine the corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce.
- Add the sliced chicken on top of the salad mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Serve with your favorite southwest-style dressing.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels canned, rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup romaine lettuce chopped
- 0.5 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lime juiced
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and lettuce.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups cooked chicken breast shredded
- 2 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 1 large avocado diced
- 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 lime juice freshly squeezed
- 0.25 cup cilantro chopped, optional
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, avocado, and cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle the freshly squeezed lime juice over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 0.5 cup red onion diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 0.5 cup cilantro chopped
- 0.5 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Add the cheddar cheese and cilantro to the mixture and toss gently.
- Drizzle the ranch dressing over the salad and toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes for a colder salad.
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken grilled or rotisserie works best
- 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 cups romaine lettuce chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce.
- Toss the ingredients together until evenly mixed.
- Serve with your choice of dressing. Enjoy!
Notes

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad (Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups cooked chicken breast diced
- 2 cups Romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 1 avocado diced
- 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 0.25 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 0.5 cup cilantro leaves chopped
- 0.5 cup Mexican blend cheese shredded
- 0.25 cup southwest ranch dressing
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, black beans, corn, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Add the diced chicken and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese and cilantro over the salad.
- Drizzle the southwest ranch dressing over the top and toss the salad again to coat everything lightly.