Southwestern Chicken Salad

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Southwestern Chicken Salad

Prep time: 15–20 minutes
Chilling (optional): 15 minutes
Total Time: 15–35 minutes depending on chilling
Servings: 4–6 as a light meal or appetizer
Yields approximately: 3½ to 4 cups of salad

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 5 servings using Greek yogurt):

  • Calories: ~220
  • Protein: ~20g
  • Fat: ~12g
  • Saturated Fat: ~2g
  • Carbohydrates: ~10g
  • Fiber: ~3g
  • Sugars: ~2g
  • Sodium: ~480mg
A bowl of creamy salad with black beans, corn, red pepper, chopped cilantro, and a lime wedge, set on a marble surface with lime slices and cilantro in the background.

How To Make Southwestern Chicken Salad

Nine bowls with ingredients for a recipe, including shredded chicken, corn, black beans, avocado, chopped red pepper, cilantro, spices, hot sauce, lime juice, and yogurt, on a marble surface.

Ingredients:

Base:

  • 2 cans chicken, drained and flaked
  • OR 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1/2 cup corn (canned or thawed from frozen)
  • 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/3 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion or green onions, finely diced
  • 1 small avocado, diced (add just before serving)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Juice of 1 lime

Dressing:

  • ½ cup mayo or Greek yogurt (or a mix of both)
  • 1 tsp hot sauce or chipotle sauce
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
A bowl of chicken salad with black beans, corn, and herbs sits on a marble surface next to slices of bread, one topped with the salad.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. In a large bowl, add chicken, corn, beans, red bell pepper, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper, avocado, lime juice, mayo or Greek yogurt, parsley and hot sauce.

  • A white mixing bowl with canned tuna chunks, surrounded by bowls of corn, chopped herbs, mayonnaise, lime juice, and hot sauce on a marble surface.
  • A glass bowl of corn is being poured into a large mixing bowl containing cooked, chopped chicken. Two small bowls with liquid and a creamy ingredient are nearby on a marble countertop.
  • A glass bowl of black beans is being added to a mixing bowl containing cooked chicken and corn on a marble countertop.
  • A bowl with black beans, corn, and chicken, with chopped red bell pepper being added; small bowls of sauce, lime juice, and mayonnaise are nearby.
  • A mixing bowl contains black beans, corn, chopped red peppers, and chicken with a bowl of spices being added; other ingredients are in small bowls nearby on a marble countertop.
  • A hand holds a halved avocado over a mixing bowl containing black beans, corn, chopped red peppers, chicken, and spices. Small bowls of chopped herbs, lime juice, and sauce are nearby.
  • A mixing bowl with black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, avocado, and seasonings. Nearby are bowls with chopped herbs, lime juice, and a white creamy sauce.
  • A mixing bowl with black beans, avocado, corn, red bell pepper, and herbs; a small bowl pours liquid in, with cilantro and a jar of sauce nearby on a marble surface.
  • A white mixing bowl with black beans, chopped avocado, red bell pepper, corn, and diced onions. A separate bowl of mayonnaise and a small dish of chopped herbs are nearby.
  • A large white bowl contains black beans, corn, chopped avocado, diced red pepper, and a dollop of creamy dressing. A small dish of chopped herbs sits nearby on a marble surface.
  • A mixing bowl containing black beans, diced avocado, red bell pepper, yogurt, and seasonings, with chopped cilantro being added from a small bowl above.
  • A white mixing bowl with black beans, corn, diced red bell peppers, avocado chunks, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream on a marble surface.
  • A mixing bowl with avocado, black beans, chopped herbs, diced red peppers, and mayonnaise, with a glass containing red sauce being poured in.
  • A white mixing bowl containing black beans, corn, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, diced red pepper, mayonnaise, and hot sauce on a marble surface.

Stir till all ingredients are incorporated.

A white mixing bowl filled with a mixture of shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced avocado, and other ingredients on a marble countertop.

2. Chill for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld (optional but
better).

3. Serve with tortilla chips, crostini, or spoon into lettuce cups or
wraps.

A white bowl filled with a creamy salad containing black beans, corn, chopped vegetables, and garnished with cilantro and a lime wedge.

FAQ

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make it up to 24 hours ahead—just leave out the avocado until right
before serving to keep it fresh.

Q: Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned or rotisserie?

A: Absolutely. Poached, grilled, or roasted chicken (cooled and shredded) works
well.

Q: What can I substitute for cilantro?

A: Try parsley, green onions, or a little fresh oregano if you’re not a fan of cilantro.

Q: How spicy is it?

A: Mild to medium, depending on the hot sauce. You can increase or decrease the
amount to your preference.

Q: Is it gluten-free?

A: Yes—just be sure your hot sauce and any sides (like chips) are certified gluten
free.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?

A: Yes, use a dairy-free mayo or yogurt alternative.

A white bowl of creamy salad with black beans, corn, and chopped herbs, garnished with a lime wedge. Toasted bread slices, lime halves, and fresh cilantro are nearby on a marble surface.

Southwestern Chicken Salad

Print Recipe
A bowl of creamy chicken salad with corn, black beans, herbs, and lime, served with two toast slices on a marble surface beside two forks.
Prep Time:20 minutes
Chill Time:15 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes

Ingredients

Base:

  • 2 cans chicken drained and flaked
  • OR 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1/2 cup corn canned or thawed from frozen
  • 1/2 cup canned black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1/3 cup red bell pepper finely diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion or green onions finely diced
  • 1 small avocado diced (add just before serving)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Juice of 1 lime

Dressing:

  • ½ cup mayo or Greek yogurt or a mix of both
  • 1 tsp hot sauce or chipotle sauce
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, add chicken, corn, beans, red bell pepper, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper, avocado, lime juice, mayo or Greek yogurt, parsley and hot sauce. Stir till all ingredients are incorporated.
  • Chill for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld (optional but better).
  • Serve with tortilla chips, crostini, or spoon into lettuce cups or wraps.
Servings: 5 people
Calories: 220kcal
A bowl of creamy chicken salad with corn, black beans, chopped herbs, and a lime wedge garnish, sprinkled with paprika, on a white surface.

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