Description
This Quick Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish featuring shredded chicken breast combined with corn, black beans, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a creamy, zesty lime-cumin dressing made with Greek yogurt. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner with a delightful southwestern twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Mixed greens for serving
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken breast, corn kernels, rinsed black beans, diced red bell pepper, diced avocado, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. Mix gently to distribute all the ingredients evenly.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined to develop a creamy, flavorful dressing.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing while preserving the texture of the avocado and vegetables.
- Serve: Arrange a bed of mixed greens on serving plates or bowls. Spoon the dressed chicken salad over the greens and serve immediately for a fresh, colorful, and satisfying meal.
Notes
- This salad can be made in advance; store the salad and dressing separately to maintain freshness, then toss just before serving.
- For added crunch, consider topping with crushed tortilla chips or roasted pepitas.
- Substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat if desired.
- Use fresh lime juice rather than bottled for the best flavor.
