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Southwest Chicken Salad

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  • Author: Lolaa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: if cooking chicken fresh, allow 20–30 minutes; if using pre-cooked chicken, 0 minutes
  • Total Time: approx. 45 minutes including chilling (or 15 minutes if using pre-cooked chicken and skipping chill)
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No‑cook (assembly); optional cooking if using raw chicken
  • Cuisine: American-Southwestern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A vibrant, protein‑packed chicken salad with Southwest flair—tender chicken, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, avocado and fresh veggies, tossed in a creamy, zesty yogurt‑mayonnaise dressing.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients; gently toss until everything is lightly coated.
  4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • For best texture, mix avocado in just before serving to avoid browning.
  • Store dressing separately if prepping ahead to keep salad fresh.
  • Substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt, use shredded cheese, or add tortilla strips for extra flavor and crunch.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 of 4 servings
  • Calories: approximately 350 kcal
  • Sugar: approximate – not specified
  • Sodium: about 600 mg per serving
  • Fat: moderate (from avocado, mayo, yogurt)
  • Saturated Fat: not specified
  • Unsaturated Fat: not specified
  • Trans Fat: not specified
  • Carbohydrates: not specified
  • Fiber: not specified
  • Protein: approximate 30 g per serving
  • Cholesterol: not specified