Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Southwest Chicken Salad combining juicy chicken, black beans, corn, and fresh veggies with a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy dressing. Perfect served with tortilla chips, on crostini, or wrapped in lettuce for a light, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Base:
- 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)
- Juice of 1 lime
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayo or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp hot sauce or chipotle sauce
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion or green onions, fresh cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Add the mayo or Greek yogurt and hot sauce, stirring well until everything is evenly coated.
- Add avocado: Gently fold in the diced avocado just before serving to maintain its freshness and color.
- Chill (optional): If time allows, refrigerate the salad for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together for a richer taste, though this step is optional.
- Serve: Enjoy the Southwest Chicken Salad on its own, with tortilla chips, on crostini, or wrapped in lettuce or tortillas for a lighter option.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut but canned chicken works just as well.
- Adjust the hot sauce amount to suit your preferred spice level.
- Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- This salad can be made a few hours in advance if chilled but add avocado fresh every time.
- Serve with your favorite chips, crostini, or as a filling for wraps and lettuce cups.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
