Description
A flavorful and protein-packed Southwest Chicken Salad featuring shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this salad combines fresh vegetables, creamy cheddar cheese, and a tangy lime dressing with taco seasoning, delivering vibrant Southwest flavors without any cooking required after preparing the chicken.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups shredded cooked chicken (2-3 breasts)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 ½ cups chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ small red onion, chopped
- 1 small jalapeno, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
Dressing Ingredients
- ¾ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, taco seasoning, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until smooth and well blended to create a zesty Southwest dressing.
- Mix the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken, rinsed and drained black beans, drained corn, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, finely chopped jalapeno, and chopped cilantro. Gently toss these ingredients to combine evenly.
- Toss with dressing and serve: Pour the prepared dressing over the mixed salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly with the dressing. Serve the salad cold, perfect in sandwiches, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or accompanied by crunchy tortilla chips for added texture.
Notes
- This salad is best served cold and can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- For a lighter option, substitute mayo with Greek yogurt to reduce fat and add probiotics.
- You can adjust the jalapeno quantity for desired spice level or omit it for milder flavor.
- Serve with tortilla chips or on a bed of greens for extra crunch and freshness.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut if you don’t have cooked chicken breasts on hand.
