Name: Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
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); Juice of 1 lime; 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

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Introduction

This Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Packed with fresh ingredients and a zesty lime dressing, it’s easy to prepare and refreshing to eat.

A white bowl filled with a creamy mixed salad sits on a wooden board, placed on a white marbled surface. The salad in the bowl has visible layers of white shredded chicken, yellow corn, black beans, small bits of red peppers, and green chopped herbs, all mixed evenly in a creamy dressing. It is sprinkled lightly with red seasoning on top, and fresh green herbs are scattered over it for color. A bright green lime wedge is nestled at the side inside the bowl. In the background, a bunch of fresh cilantro is visible, and on the wooden board behind the bowl, there are three pieces of toasted white bread. A few lime wedges are set on the white marbled surface near the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)
Juice of 1 lime
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

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, lime juice, mayo or Greek yogurt, cilantro, and a dash of hot sauce. Stir everything well until evenly mixed and coated.
Step 2: If time allows, refrigerate the salad for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This step is optional but enhances the taste.
Step 3: Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado. Serve the salad with tortilla chips, on crostini, or wrapped in lettuce cups for a fresh, light meal.

Tips & Variations

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter, tangier option.
Add diced jalapeño for extra heat if you like it spicy.
Try swapping cilantro with fresh parsley if preferred.
Serve with warm tortillas for a satisfying wrap variation.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the avocado fresh each time you serve to prevent browning. Reheat is not recommended as it is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with a mixed chicken salad containing shredded white chicken pieces, black beans, yellow corn kernels, small red pieces likely red bell pepper, and green herbs scattered on top. A wedge of bright green lime rests on the right edge inside the bowl. The salad is speckled with a light dusting of red spice. A white toasted bread slice is partially dipped into the salad, held by a woman's hand. Around the bowl, there are additional white toasted bread slices neatly arranged on a wooden board, along with several lime wedges on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned or rotisserie?

Yes, cooked and shredded fresh chicken works perfectly. Just make sure it is fully cooked and cooled before mixing it into the salad.

How spicy is this salad?

The heat level depends on how much hot sauce or chipotle sauce you add. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste for a mild to moderate spice level.