Description
This High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish combining shredded cooked chicken, black beans, corn, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner, it’s packed with protein and Southwest-inspired flavors, ideal for serving in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or with tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 6 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 2-3 breasts)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 ½ cups chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ small red onion, chopped
- 1 small jalapeno, finely chopped
- â…“ cup chopped cilantro
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, taco seasoning, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended to create a flavorful Southwest dressing.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken, rinsed and drained black beans, drained corn, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, finely chopped jalapeno, and chopped cilantro. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss everything together carefully to ensure all components are coated with the dressing. Serve the salad chilled, perfect for filling sandwiches, making lettuce wraps, or enjoying alongside tortilla chips for a refreshing and protein-packed meal.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to lighten the dressing and add a tangy flavor.
- Adjust the jalapeno quantity to control the heat level in the salad.
- For added texture, consider topping with crushed tortilla chips when serving.
- This salad can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated to let the flavors meld.
- Use freshly cooked chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
