This Southwest Chicken Salad is a bold, zesty dish packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors. Loaded with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and a creamy lime-infused dressing, this easy meal is perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or even a light dinner. Whether you serve it in a sandwich, over lettuce, or on its own, this salad is sure to become a favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-Packed & Satisfying – With chicken and black beans, this salad keeps you full and energized.
- Easy Meal Prep – Make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap ingredients, or make it dairy-free.
- Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy it as a salad, in a wrap, or as a sandwich filling.
The Taste: Bold, Zesty, and Creamy
This salad delivers a delicious combination of flavors. The lime dressing adds a bright, tangy kick, while the chili powder, cumin, and paprika provide a smoky depth. Crunchy pepitas and juicy tomatoes balance everything out for a fresh, satisfying bite every time.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 lb cooked shredded chicken (about 2-3 breasts)
- 1 can (15.5 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15.25 oz) corn, drained
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños, 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 (regular or dairy-free)
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing spoon or spatula
How to Make Southwest Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayo (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Mix the Salad
In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, jalapeños, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pepitas.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and stir until everything is well coated. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
What to Serve with Southwest Chicken Salad
This salad is incredibly versatile. Try these serving ideas:
- In a wrap – Spoon into a tortilla for a quick and easy Southwest chicken wrap.
- Over lettuce – Serve on a bed of crisp romaine or mixed greens for a refreshing salad.
- As a sandwich – Pile it onto toasted bread or inside a croissant.
- With tortilla chips – Use it as a hearty dip for a fun twist.
Tips for the Best Southwest Chicken Salad
- Shred the chicken easily – Use a fork, hand mixer, or stand mixer for quick shredding.
- Adjust the spice level – Add extra jalapeños or a dash of cayenne for more heat.
- Make it dairy-free – Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative in the dressing.
- Chill before serving – Letting it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes enhances the flavors.
How to Store & Meal Prep
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 4-5 days.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as mayo or yogurt-based dressings don’t freeze well.
- Meal Prep: Divide into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches.
Substitutions & Variations
- Protein Options: Swap the chicken for shredded turkey, grilled shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Dressing Alternative: Instead of mayo or Greek yogurt, use avocado mash for a creamy, dairy-free option.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by reducing or omitting the jalapeños or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Different Beans: Substitute black beans with chickpeas, kidney beans, or pinto beans for a unique twist.
- Extra Crunch: Add crushed tortilla chips, sliced almonds, or crispy fried onions for extra texture.
- Cheesy Addition: Mix in crumbled cotija, feta, or shredded cheddar cheese for a richer flavor.
- Lower Fat Option: Use fat-free Greek yogurt instead of mayo to lighten up the dressing.
- More Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots for extra freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of shredded chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor. Just shred it and mix it in. -
How spicy is this salad?
The spice level depends on the jalapeños and chili powder. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder and omit the jalapeños. -
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free Greek yogurt or a mayo alternative to keep it dairy-free. -
How long does Southwest Chicken Salad last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. -
Can I freeze this salad?
Freezing is not recommended, as the mayo or yogurt-based dressing may separate when thawed. -
What are some serving ideas for this salad?
Enjoy it in a wrap, sandwich, over lettuce, with tortilla chips, or stuffed into an avocado. -
What can I use instead of pepitas?
Sunflower seeds, chopped almonds, or even crushed tortilla chips work as great substitutes. -
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, the flavors blend better after chilling for a few hours, making it a great meal prep option. -
How can I make this salad healthier?
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo, opt for reduced-sodium black beans, and add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach. -
What other beans can I use instead of black beans?
Chickpeas or pinto beans are great alternatives that still add protein and texture.
Conclusion – A Flavorful, Easy Southwest Chicken Salad
This Southwest Chicken Salad is the ultimate quick and flavorful meal. It’s packed with protein, full of bold flavors, and so easy to customize. Whether you serve it in a wrap, on a sandwich, or over greens, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment and let us know how you served it! Also, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest for later!
More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Try
If you love this recipe, check out these other flavorful chicken dishes:
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta – A creamy, rich pasta dish that’s perfect for date night!
- Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives – A bright and tangy dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
- Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken Breast – A cheesy, flavor-packed stuffed chicken that’s easy yet impressive!
Southwest Chicken Salad – A Flavor-Packed, Easy Meal
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Southwest Chicken Salad is a bold, protein-packed dish filled with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and a zesty lime dressing. The perfect meal-prep recipe, this salad is creamy, crunchy, and bursting with flavor. Enjoy it on its own, in a sandwich, or wrapped in a tortilla. A delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s great for lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 lb cooked shredded chicken (about 2–3 breasts)
- 1 can (15.5 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15.25 oz) corn, drained
- 1–2 fresh jalapeños, 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 (regular or dairy-free)
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayo (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and salt until well combined.
In a large bowl, add shredded chicken, black beans, corn, jalapeños, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pepitas.
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and stir until everything is well coated. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Make Ahead Tip: This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Adjust the Heat: Reduce or omit the jalapeños for a milder version, or add extra chili powder for more spice.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative instead of Greek yogurt.
- Storage: Keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (uses pre-cooked chicken)
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southwest, Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (out of 6)
- Calories: 251
- Sugar: 3.1g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 14.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14.9g
- Fiber: 3.7g
- Protein: 18.9g
- Cholesterol: 49mg
Keywords: Southwest Chicken Salad, healthy chicken salad, meal prep chicken salad, easy chicken salad recipe, high-protein salad