Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe
A refreshing and flavorful Southwest Chicken Salad featuring tender chicken, sweet corn, and hearty black beans, all tossed in a zesty dressing. Perfect for a quick, nutritious lunch or light dinner, served chilled for a vibrant and satisfying meal.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Vegetables & Beans
- 1 cup corn kernels, cooked or canned, drained
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
Dressing
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Optional: chopped fresh cilantro, to taste
- Prepare Ingredients: Ensure the chicken is cooked and shredded or diced. Drain and rinse the black beans. If using canned corn, drain it well.
- Mix Salad Components: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, corn, and black beans evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and minced garlic until well emulsified.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled. Optionally garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For added crunch, garnish with chopped green onions or sliced radishes.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing chili powder.
- Adding avocado slices or diced tomatoes complements this salad well.
- Use grilled chicken for extra smoky flavor.
Keywords: Southwest Chicken Salad, chicken salad, black beans, corn, lime dressing, healthy salad, quick recipe