Can I make Southwest Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prep all components and store them separately. Combine and dress just before serving. For meal prep, layer in mason jars with dressing at the bottom and lettuce at the top.

How can I make this Southwest Chicken Salad spicier?

Add more pickled jalapeños, include a diced fresh jalapeño, or mix a dash of hot sauce into the dressing. Cayenne pepper in the dressing also works well for heat lovers.

What's the best chicken to use for Southwest Chicken Salad?

Rotisserie chicken offers the best flavor-to-effort ratio. Alternatively, use leftover grilled chicken or quickly poach chicken breasts in broth with southwest seasonings.

Is this Southwest Chicken Salad gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in the base recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just verify that your specific brands of canned beans, corn, and spices are certified gluten-free if you have celiac disease.

Can I make a vegan version of Southwest Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with chickpeas or black beans, use plant-based yogurt in the dressing, and add extra avocado for creaminess. The southwest flavors work beautifully in a plant-based version.

Southwest Chicken Salad Recipes That Will Transform Your Lunch Today 2025

Name: Southwest Chicken Salad Recipes That Will Transform Your Lunch Today
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Southwest
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great); 1 large romaine lettuce heart, chopped; 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, thawed frozen, or canned); 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 red onion, finely diced; 1 avocado, diced; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (optional); 1/3 cup Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 teaspoon honey; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Southwest Chicken Salad Recipes That Will Transform Your Lunch Today

Print Recipe

This Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad is a colorful, protein-packed meal that comes together in just 15 minutes. With black beans, corn, avocado, and a creamy lime dressing, it’s a summer favorite your whole family will love.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: Southwest

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great)
1 large romaine lettuce heart, chopped
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, thawed frozen, or canned)
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, finely diced
1 avocado, diced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (optional)

For the dressing:

1/3 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Chop romaine lettuce and place in a large bowl. Prep remaining vegetables and toppings.
Add chicken, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, tomatoes, and jalapeños to the bowl with lettuce. Toss to combine.
Add diced avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
Drizzle with dressing and toss, or serve dressing on the side. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.

Notes

To make this salad vegan, substitute chickpeas for chicken and use plant-based yogurt. For meal prep, store components separately and assemble before serving. Keep avocado and dressing separate until ready to eat.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 375
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 9g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: southwest chicken salad, 15-minute salad, healthy summer salad, easy chicken salad recipe

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/southwest-chicken-salad/