This tasty Southwest Chicken Salad is packed with fresh veggies and grilled chicken, all drizzled with a zesty dressing. It’s colorful and full of flavor, making it a perfect meal!
I love how crunchy and refreshing it is, especially on a hot day. You can easily add your favorite toppings, and let’s be real—who doesn’t love extra avocado? 🥑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked shredded chicken is the star of this salad. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or any leftover chicken. For a vegetarian option, swap chicken with chickpeas or quinoa for protein.
Black Beans: These add a nice texture and protein. If you’re not a fan of black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans could be great substitutes. They’re easily found in any store and provide a similar look and taste.
Corn: Fresh corn off the cob is ideal, but frozen or canned corn works just as well. When using canned corn, make sure to rinse it to reduce sodium. If you’re looking for a twist, try adding diced fresh bell pepper or peas.
Greek Yogurt: This is a healthier option compared to mayonnaise. If you prefer mayo, go ahead! For a dairy-free option, use avocado or a plant-based yogurt. You could also mix half of each for a balanced flavor.
Cilantro: For those who find cilantro tastes like soap, you can skip it or substitute with fresh parsley. It adds a fresh touch, but the salad will still be delicious without it!
How Can I Make Sure My Salad Flavors Are Well Combined?
To ensure all the flavors in your Southwest Chicken Salad come together beautifully, start by mixing the dressing separately. Whisking the Greek yogurt (or mayo), lime juice, and taco seasoning helps distribute the flavors evenly.
- Combine the dressing well before adding it to the salad mixture.
- Chill the salad for 30 minutes; this lets the ingredients marinate and enhances the flavors.
- Always taste and adjust! A little more lime juice or seasoning can make a big difference.
How to Make Southwest Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Pumpkin seeds or tortilla strips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Southwest Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. Overall, plan for about 45 minutes to complete this delicious salad. Perfect for a quick meal or a refreshing lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, and cilantro (if you’re using it). Use a spoon or spatula to gently mix everything together so that it’s well combined.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), lime juice, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper until it’s smooth and well mixed. This dressing is what adds a delicious flavor to your salad!
3. Combine Dressing and Salad:
Pour the dressing over your salad mixture. Gently toss everything together so that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. Take your time with this step – you want every bite to be full of flavor!
4. Adjust the Seasoning:
Taste your salad and see if it needs any adjustments. If you think it could use a bit more lime juice or taco seasoning, feel free to add it according to your taste preferences.
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together, making your salad even tastier!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle some pumpkin seeds or tortilla strips on top for added crunch if you’d like. Grab a spoon, dish it out, and enjoy your fresh and flavorful Southwest Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand, including rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing!
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Ingredients?
No problem! If fresh corn or cherry tomatoes aren’t available, you can substitute canned corn and diced canned tomatoes. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid to avoid making the salad soggy. Frozen corn works well too; just thaw it before adding it in!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just note that the texture may change slightly over time, so you might want to add a little fresh lime juice or yogurt before serving it again to refresh the flavor!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this salad vegan, substitute the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with a plant-based yogurt or vegan mayo. You can also omit the chicken and add more beans or quinoa for protein, making it still hearty and delicious!
