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+ servings
Southwest Chicken Salad

Hearty Southwest Chicken Salad – Quick, Colorful & Refreshing

This Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant, hearty dish offering bold flavors, packed with protein and gluten-free ingredients for a refreshing meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 lb Cooked Shredded Chicken can use canned chicken for convenience
  • 1 15.5 oz can Black Beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 15.25 oz can Corn drained or substitute with fresh corn
  • 1-2 Jalapeños fresh, seeded and chopped
  • ¾ cup Cherry Tomatoes quartered
  • ½ cup Red Onion chopped
  • ¼ cup Pepitas or Sunflower Seeds
For the Dressing
  • ¾ cup Mayo or Greek Yogurt can substitute with dairy-free option
  • ¼ cup Fresh Lime Juice adjust based on acidity preference
  • 1 tbsp Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • ¼ tsp Paprika
  • to taste Salt

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Southwest Chicken Salad
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of mayo or Greek yogurt, ¼ cup of fresh lime juice, and the spices—1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp cumin, ¼ tsp paprika, and salt to taste. Mix until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
  2. In a large bowl, add 1 lb of cooked shredded chicken, a 15.5 oz can of drained black beans, and a 15.25 oz can of drained corn. Toss in 1-2 chopped jalapeños, ¾ cup of quartered cherry tomatoes, ½ cup of chopped red onion, and ¼ cup of pepitas or sunflower seeds. Gently mix the ingredients until they are colorful and evenly distributed.
  3. Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the chicken mixture in the large bowl. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the dressing into the salad until every ingredient is coated beautifully.
  4. Spoon the Southwest Chicken Salad into bowls or serve it in wraps or sandwiches, as desired. Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes if time allows for optimal flavor melding.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Let the salad marinate for about an hour before serving for the best flavor. Adjust the spice level of jalapeños as needed. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Enjoy chilled with optional tortilla chips.

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