why make this recipe
Southwest Chicken Salad is a tasty and healthy meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It combines tender chicken with hearty beans, vibrant veggies, and a creamy dressing. This salad is not just good for your taste buds; it’s also packed with protein and nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or something fresh and filling, this salad has it all.
how to make Southwest Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or zesty dressing of choice)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ranch dressing and lime juice.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
how to serve Southwest Chicken Salad
You can serve Southwest Chicken Salad as a main dish or a side. It pairs well with tortilla chips or can be placed in a wrap. If you’re feeling creative, you can add it to a taco or enjoy it over lettuce for a lighter option.
how to store Southwest Chicken Salad
To store your Southwest Chicken Salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you’re making it ahead of time, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve it to avoid sogginess.
tips to make Southwest Chicken Salad
- For added flavor, grill the chicken before shredding.
- Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like avocado, cheese, or jalapeños for an extra kick.
- If you want a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing.
variation
You can customize your Southwest Chicken Salad by adding different proteins like shrimp or turkey. Also, try switching up the vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as cherry tomatoes or zucchini.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are gluten-free, making it a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I freeze Southwest Chicken Salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze the salad because the veggies and dressing don’t freeze well, but you can freeze the shredded chicken separately.
Southwest Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or zesty dressing of choice)
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ranch dressing and lime juice.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.