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+ servings
Southwestern Chicken Salad

Zesty Southwestern Chicken Salad for Quick Weeknight Dinners

This Southwestern Chicken Salad is a quick, customizable, and protein-packed meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Use fresh or thawed frozen for best results.
  • 1 can Black Beans Rinse thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
  • 1 cup Corn Kernels Use canned or fresh for best texture.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Feel free to substitute with yellow or green.
  • 1/2 medium Red Onion Can be used raw or sautéed.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro Optional based on personal preference.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt Can be swapped for Greek-style yogurt or skyr.
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice Fresh limes yield the best flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin Quintessential for flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder Adjust based on heat tolerance.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Feel free to omit if you don’t have it.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • tongs
  • Forks

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook chicken in a large pot with enough water to cover, seasoned with salt and pepper. Boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
  2. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks or a stand mixer.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika until smooth.
  4. Combine shredded chicken, black beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro in the bowl with the dressing, stirring gently.
  5. Refrigerate the salad mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Serve the salad on a bed of greens, in a wrap, or with tortilla chips.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 8gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Feel free to customize ingredients based on your preferences. Make sure to chill the salad before serving for the best flavor.

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