This Easy Southwest Chicken Salad is colorful and packed with flavors! It features tender chicken, fresh veggies, black beans, and a zesty dressing that ties everything together.
Making this salad is a breeze! I throw everything in a bowl, toss it, and lunch is ready. It’s perfect for hot days when you just want something light and refreshing! 🌽🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Shredded Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for user-friendly convenience, or leftover grilled chicken works too! If vegetarian, you can swap in chickpeas for a protein boost.
Black Beans: These add a nice texture and protein. You can easily replace them with kidney beans or pinto beans if you prefer something different.
Corn Kernels: Sweet corn gives a nice crunch. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen or canned corn works just as well. For a twist, use roasted corn for extra flavor!
Cherry Tomatoes: They add brightness to the salad. Feel free to use regular tomatoes, but be sure to chop them finely to keep the mix balanced.
Pepitas: These seeds add crunch and nutrition. You could substitute sunflower seeds or even toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts if needed.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad is Well Mixed?
Mixing is key to ensure every bite is tasty! Here’s how to combine your ingredients well:
- Start with the dry ingredients: Combine chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and pepitas in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, mix your dressing well before adding it to the salad. This ensures it’s creamy and well-seasoned.
- Pour the dressing into the chicken mixture and use a spatula to gently fold everything together. Avoid aggressive stirring to keep the chicken pieces intact.
- Chill the salad to allow flavors to blend, making it even better!
Easy Southwest Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, and thawed, or canned drained)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad is quick to make! You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and mix everything together. For the best flavor, chill your salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. So, in total, plan for about 45 minutes including prep and chill time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
Start by gathering a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, quartered cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, jalapeño slices (if you’re using them), and pepitas. Give it a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate smaller bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk these together until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
3. Combine the Salad with the Dressing:
Pour the creamy dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Use a spatula or large spoon to toss everything together gently, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your salad mix. If you want more seasoning, sprinkle in a bit more salt, pepper, or lime juice and mix it in!
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to a container with a lid. Place it in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This time helps all those delicious flavors blend together!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s chilled, your Easy Southwest Chicken Salad is ready! You can serve it on its own, over a bed of fresh greens, or with crunchy tortilla chips for added texture. Enjoy your tasty creation!
FAQ for Easy Southwest Chicken Salad
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred it and you’re good to go. It’s a tasty shortcut!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and replace it with chickpeas or your favorite beans. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers or avocado for more texture and flavor!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
Your Easy Southwest Chicken Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the texture may slightly change as the ingredients continue to mingle!
What Other Toppings Can I Add?
Feel free to customize your salad! You can add toppings like diced avocado, shredded cheese, or cilantro for extra flavor. For a crunch, try crumbled tortilla chips or nuts!
