Easy Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken is key here. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover chicken. If you want a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or tofu instead.

Canned Black Beans: These add protein and fiber. If unavailable, try kidney beans or pinto beans. Rinse well to get rid of excess sodium.

Canned Corn: Sweet corn adds crunch. Fresh or frozen corn works too! If you like a twist, try using grilled corn for a smoky flavor.

Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes add juiciness. Substitute with diced regular tomatoes or leave them out. Feel free to swap red onion for green onion or diced bell peppers.

Pepitas: These pumpkin seeds provide a nice crunch. You can replace them with sunflower seeds or even chopped nuts like almonds for a different texture.

Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: This makes the dressing creamy. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise. You can adjust the amount for your desired creaminess.

How Do I Make Sure the Dressing is Well Mixed and Flavored?

Getting the dressing just right is important for flavor. Start by whisking all the ingredients together until smooth. This ensures every bite is tasty!

• Mix the mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and spices in a small bowl first.
• Pour this mix over your chicken and veggies and toss gently. This keeps everything nice and coated.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning. A little extra lime juice or salt can elevate the flavors.

Don’t forget to chill the salad before serving! It not only cools the ingredients but lets all those delicious flavors blend together.

Easy Southwest Chicken Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup canned corn, drained
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This Easy Southwest Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time. You’ll want to chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors come together. All in all, you’ll be enjoying your salad within about 45 minutes!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, and pepitas. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together evenly.

2. Make the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until it’s smooth and well combined. This dressing will add creamy flavor to your salad!

3. Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are coated in that delicious dressing.

4. Adjust the Seasoning

Take a quick taste of your salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or lime juice to suit your taste.

5. Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chill time helps the flavors meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, enjoy it cold as a tasty meal on its own or over a bed of greens. Enjoy your refreshing Southwest Chicken Salad!

This vibrant, creamy salad is a perfect quick meal packed with all the tasty Southwest flavors!

FAQ for Easy Southwest Chicken Salad

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This salad tastes even better after the flavors meld, so you can make it up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What Can I Use Instead of Mayonnaise?

If you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free option, you can substitute Greek yogurt or vegan mayonnaise for the mayo. It will still give you that creamy texture without the heaviness.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If possible, keep the salad separate from any greens to maintain the freshness of both components.

Can I Add More Vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables like avocado, cucumbers, or even diced jalapeños for extra heat. Just chop them up and toss them in with the other ingredients!