Description
Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad is the perfect blend of bold flavors and fresh ingredients, making it an essential dish for any occasion. This vibrant salad features tender chicken, zesty lime, and a colorful medley of vegetables that will tantalize your taste buds while providing a nutritious meal option. Ideal for quick lunches, refreshing dinners, or summer gatherings, this salad is not only delicious but also highly customizable. Prepare it in just 15 minutes for a satisfying meal that you can enjoy any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh, canned, or thawed frozen
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips for crunch (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss until everything is well coated.
- Top with shredded cheese and optional tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Main
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 525mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Feel free to swap out proteins; turkey or beef can replace chicken for variety. Add-ins like black olives or jalapeños can enhance flavor. For optimal taste, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.