Quick Southwest Chicken Salad
This Quick Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying dish that's perfect for lunch or dinner. Loaded with seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, and a zesty lime dressing, it’s a healthy meal that comes together in minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fresh, quick, and delicious!
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 cups 0.5 lb cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
- 1 cup 0.25 lb black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup 0.25 lb corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 avocado diced
- 1 cup 0.25 lb cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red bell pepper diced
- ¼ cup 0.06 lb red onion, finely diced
- 4 cups 0.5 lb romaine lettuce, chopped
- ¼ cup 0.06 lb shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (optional)
For the Dressing
- 2 tablespoons 0.03 L olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Tortilla strips
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and romaine lettuce.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
Step 3: Add Toppings and Serve
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese if using and add optional toppings like tortilla strips, cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prep all ingredients and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and add the dressing just before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep dressing and toppings separate for freshness.
- Grilled Option: Use grilled chicken instead of cooked or shredded chicken for added flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add extra beans, or use grilled tofu or plant-based protein.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prep all ingredients and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and add the dressing just before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep dressing and toppings separate for freshness.
- Grilled Option: Use grilled chicken instead of cooked or shredded chicken for added flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add extra beans, or use grilled tofu or plant-based protein.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!