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–+ servings

Southwestern Chicken Salad

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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.
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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
  • ½ cup corn canned or thawed from frozen
  • ½ cup canned black beans rinsed and drained
  • ⅓ cup red bell pepper finely diced
  • ¼ cup red onion or green onions finely diced
  • 1 small avocado diced (add just before serving)
  • ¼ 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
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ¼ 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.

Notes

Tips, Tricks & Storage

Don't Skip the Dressing
Whether you're using the recipe or adding a store-bought dressing, the creamy component is what ties everything together. It balances the spices and gives the salad that classic Southwestern feel.
Add Extra Crunch
In addition to red bell pepper, you can also add green, orange, or yellow peppers for more veggies. Top with tortilla strips, Doritos, or your favorite chips for a different texture. 
Serving Recommendations
This salad can be served as a dip for chips or with iceberg lettuce or mixed greens for a true salad taste. To make it more filling, serve the salad over rice, or tuck it into tortillas for wraps.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving and refresh with a squeeze of lime if needed.

Substitutions & Variations

This recipe is very adaptable, making it easy to adjust based on what you already have in your kitchen. Grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even shredded chicken all work flawlessly and offer different textures. If you'd like more heat, add sliced jalapeños, chipotle powder, or pepper jack cheese. Corn can be fresh, frozen, fire-roasted, or canned, and black beans can be swapped for pinto beans. However you modify it, this tasty salad is sure to stay on your weekly meal rotation!

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcal

Private Notes

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Servings: 5 people
Calories: 220kcal
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