Description
Southwest chicken salad combines zesty spices with fresh ingredients for a flavor-packed meal. Crisp greens, tender chicken, and bold southwestern seasonings create a delightful dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb cooked shredded chicken
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 can (15.5 ounces / 440 grams) black beans
- 1 can (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) corn
- 2 fresh jalapenos
- 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red onion
Toppings and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup pepitas
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Whisk the dressing ingredients in a medium bowl, blending mayo, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and salt until smooth and well-combined. Adjust spice levels to personal preference for a zesty profile.
- Combine shredded chicken, black beans, corn, jalapenos, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pepitas in a large bowl. Distribute ingredients evenly, ensuring chicken is thoroughly shredded for optimal texture and mix.
- Drizzle prepared dressing over salad ingredients, gently folding to coat every component thoroughly. Ensure each ingredient is fully embraced by the creamy, spiced dressing for maximum flavor integration.
- Serve immediately on lettuce, as a sandwich filling, or standalone dish. Optional garnish with extra lime wedges or additional pepitas for enhanced visual appeal and textural contrast. Refrigerate for up to 2 hours if not consuming immediately.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder quantity for spice-sensitive individuals or bold flavor seekers.
- Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or jackfruit for vegetarian and vegan diet adaptations.
- Choose Greek yogurt instead of mayo to reduce calories and increase protein content while maintaining creamy texture.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or chopped cilantro for increased freshness and vitamins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Southwestern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg