This Easy Healthy Southwest Chicken Salad is packed with flavor! You’ll enjoy tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing that brings everything together. It’s nutritious and oh-so-colorful!
Perfect for lunch or dinner, this salad makes you feel good while eating it. I love adding extra avocado on top—it makes it creamy and even more delicious. Who wouldn’t want more avocado? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Using shredded chicken breast is great for texture and lean protein. You can easily use rotisserie chicken for quick prep. If you’re vegetarian, try chickpeas or tofu instead for a protein boost!
Black Beans: Canned black beans are convenient, but consider using dried beans for a healthier option. If you’re looking for alternatives, kidney beans or pinto beans work well, too.
Corn: Fresh corn adds sweetness and crunch, but frozen or canned corn also work perfectly. For a lower carb option, consider substituting with diced bell peppers.
Greek Yogurt: I use Greek yogurt for creaminess and added protein. Light sour cream is a good alternative. If lactose intolerant, try a vegan yogurt that’s plain and unsweetened.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika give the salad flavor. You can swap chili powder for taco seasoning if you have it on hand, or adjust spices according to your taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad is Well-Mixed and Flavorful?
For a salad that tastes great and has a balanced flavor, follow these steps:
- Make sure to mix all the dry ingredients before adding the dressing. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor!
- When whisking the dressing, take your time to combine it well. The creamy texture should blend seamlessly with the spices.
- Letting the salad sit in the fridge is crucial—this allows the ingredients to mingle and can even enhance the flavors! Aim for at least 20 minutes.
With these simple tips, you’ll make a tasty Southwest Chicken Salad that everyone will love!
Easy Healthy Southwest Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Southwest Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 20 minutes to chill in the fridge. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful, healthy meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Main Ingredients:
Begin by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add in your shredded cooked chicken, canned black beans (make sure they are rinsed), corn, quartered cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, jalapeño slices (if using), and pumpkin seeds. Give everything a gentle mix with a spoon to combine the ingredients evenly.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt (or light sour cream), mayonnaise (if you’re using it for extra creaminess), chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This dressing will add awesome flavor to your salad!
3. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the large mixing bowl. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss everything together until every ingredient is nicely coated with the dressing. Take a moment to taste and see if you want to add more salt, pepper, or lime juice. Adjust according to your taste!
4. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors to meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy the salad chilled or at room temperature. For a finishing touch, consider topping it with sliced avocado or fresh cilantro to brighten things up!
Enjoy this flavorful and healthy Southwest Chicken Salad as a satisfying meal packed with protein and vibrant ingredients!
FAQ for Easy Healthy Southwest Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this salad. Just make sure it’s shredded and cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients. This is a great way to use up leftovers and save time!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or shredded tofu for protein. Use vegan Greek yogurt or a dairy-free mayo alternative for the dressing, and leave out the pumpkin seeds if desired. It will still be delicious!
Is This Salad Good for Meal Prep?
Yes, this Southwest Chicken Salad is great for meal prep! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just add fresh avocado or any toppings right before serving to keep everything fresh!
What If I Don’t Have Pumpkin Seeds?
No worries! If you don’t have pumpkin seeds on hand, you can substitute them with sunflower seeds, chopped nuts, or simply leave them out. They add a nice crunch, but the salad will still be tasty without them!
