Description
This Quick Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish ready in just 20 minutes. Featuring shredded chicken, black beans, sweet corn, and fresh vegetables tossed in a zesty homemade dressing with spices and lime juice, it’s perfect as a light meal on its own, in a sandwich, or served over crisp lettuce for added crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked Shredded Chicken (canned chicken can be used)
- 1 can Black Beans (rinsed thoroughly)
- 1 cup Sweet Corn (fresh or canned, drained well)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Jalapeños (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (quartered)
- 1/4 cup Red Onion (or green onions as milder substitute)
- 1/4 cup Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds) (sunflower seeds as substitute)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt (dairy-free alternatives optional)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice (or lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with fresh lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and salt until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the cooked shredded chicken, rinsed black beans, sweet corn, jalapeños, quartered cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pepitas, ensuring all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and gently fold it in to coat all ingredients evenly, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately on its own, stuffed into a sandwich, or served atop crisp lettuce leaves for added texture and freshness.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute mayonnaise with a suitable dairy-free alternative or use a plant-based yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Rinsing canned beans and draining canned corn helps reduce sodium and excess liquid.
- Pepitas can be swapped with sunflower seeds for a different nutty flavor.
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Keywords: Southwest Chicken Salad, Quick chicken salad, No-cook salad, Easy healthy salad, Black bean salad, Corn and chicken salad
