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Quick Southwest Chicken Salad


  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

“Quick Southwest Chicken Salad – a bold, flavorful, and protein-packed meal with juicy chicken, black beans, corn, and a zesty homemade dressing. Ready in under 30 minutes!”


Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

  • 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup canned corn, drained
  • ½ red onion, diced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • ¼ cup tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips (optional)

For the Dressing:

  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, olive oil, honey, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
  • Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion, avocado, and cilantro.
  • Add the Chicken: Top the salad with shredded or chopped chicken and sprinkle with cheese.
  • Drizzle the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  • Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips on top for extra crunch. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the dressing.
  • Grilled Option: Use grilled chicken for a smoky flavor.
  • Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or extra beans.
  • Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative and omit the cheese.
  • Creamier Dressing: Blend an extra avocado into the dressing for a richer texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: salad
  • Method: no cook
  • Cuisine: Southwestern, Mexican

Keywords: Southwest Chicken Salad, Healthy Chicken Salad, Quick Salad Recipe, Mexican Chicken Salad, High-Protein Salad