Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe
A quick and flavorful Southwest Chicken Salad combining shredded chicken with corn, black beans, red bell pepper, fresh cilantro, and avocado, all tossed in a zesty lime and smoky paprika-infused mayo or Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a tasty party appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southwest American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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)
Dressing & Seasoning
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce or chipotle sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the shredded or canned chicken, corn, black beans, diced red bell pepper, red or green onions, and chopped cilantro. Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Squeeze the juice of one lime over everything. Add the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt along with the hot sauce or chipotle sauce. Gently stir all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated and well combined.
- Chill (Optional): For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for about 15 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and intensify, but it is not mandatory if you’re short on time.
- Add Avocado and Serve: Just before serving, fold in the diced avocado to prevent browning and maintain freshness. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, enjoyed with tortilla chips, toasted crostini, or wrapped in lettuce cups or tortillas for a lighter option.
Notes
- Using Greek yogurt instead of mayo reduces calories and adds a tangy flavor.
- Adjust the hot sauce amount depending on your preferred spice level.
- For extra crunch, add chopped celery or bell peppers.
- Can be served as a dip, salad, or sandwich filling.
- Best consumed within 2 days for freshness, especially due to avocado.
Find it online: https://cookedbygrace.com/southwest-chicken-salad-recipe/
