Go Back
+ servings
Southwest Chicken Salad

Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad for Quick, Healthy Meals

This Southwest Chicken Salad is a quick, healthy option packed with flavor, perfect for meal prep.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Southwest
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken can use canned chicken for convenience
  • 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup sweet corn canned or frozen works perfectly
  • 1-2 pieces fresh jalapeños adjust based on heat preference
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes quarter for even distribution
  • ¼ cup red onion feel free to reduce for a milder taste
  • cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or sunflower seeds as a substitute
For the Dressing
  • ½ cup mayo or Greek yogurt dairy-free yogurt for a lighter option
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice freshly squeezed is best
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Southwest Chicken Salad
  1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine ½ cup of mayo or Greek yogurt with the juice of one freshly squeezed lime, 1 teaspoon each of chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin, followed by ½ teaspoon of paprika and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, 1 can of rinsed and drained black beans, and 1 cup of sweet corn. Chop 1-2 fresh jalapeños, quarter 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, and finely dice ¼ cup of red onion. Toss gently together.
  3. Fold in ⅓ cup of pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for extra crunch. Ensure everything is evenly distributed.
  4. Pour the prepared dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Use a spatula to fold the dressing into the salad, ensuring every piece is well-coated.
  5. Serve immediately on its own or over leafy greens or whole-grain bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 10gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. For meal prep, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!