I love a good chicken salad, especially when it’s packed with fresh flavors and comes together fast. Today, I’m sharing two easy Southwest chicken salad recipes that are perfect for your lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Both are simple to make and full of great taste.
If you enjoy vibrant and satisfying meals that don’t take forever, you’re going to love these options. Get ready to add some exciting new ideas to your menu!
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Easy Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe: A Quick Meal Idea
This easy Southwest chicken salad is a go-to for light and flavorful meals. It’s packed with fresh vegetables and tender chicken, making it perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or just on its own.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Cooked Chicken: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly poach some chicken breasts for a super fast prep.
- Fresh Lime Juice: This ingredient is essential for a bright, zesty taste. It really makes the salad pop!
- Chop Evenly: Cutting all your vegetables and chicken into similar-sized pieces helps every spoonful have a balanced mix of ingredients.
What You Need
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. If you’re using canned corn or black beans, make sure to rinse and drain them really well. Dice your cooked chicken and finely chop the red onion and fresh cilantro.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), fresh lime juice, chili powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until the dressing is smooth and evenly mixed.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Add the diced chicken, red onion, cilantro, corn, and black beans to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are nicely coated. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lime juice if you like.
📝 Final Note
Store any leftover Southwest chicken salad in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. It often tastes even better the next day!
Easy Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe for a Kick
If you like a bit of heat, this spicy Southwest chicken salad is for you! It takes the classic flavors up a notch with a little extra zing, making for a truly exciting meal.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Jalapeño Control: For less heat, make sure to remove all seeds and the white membrane from your jalapeño. For more heat, you can leave a few seeds in.
- Hot Sauce Choice: Use your favorite hot sauce here. Start with a small amount and you can always add more to get your perfect spice level.
- Balance the Heat: If your salad turns out too spicy, a squeeze of extra lime juice or a spoonful of diced avocado can help cool things down.
What You Need
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (or more, to your preference)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping your cooked chicken, red onion, and cilantro. Finely dice your jalapeño, remembering to wash your hands well afterwards. If using canned corn and black beans, rinse and drain them thoroughly.
Step 2: Mix the Spicy Dressing
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), fresh lime juice, chili powder, hot sauce, and the diced jalapeño. Stir everything well until the dressing is smooth and all the spicy elements are mixed in. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine and Enjoy
Add the prepared chicken, red onion, cilantro, corn, and black beans to the spicy dressing. Gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated. Give it a quick taste and adjust the spice level, salt, or lime as you wish.
📝 Final Note
If the salad is too spicy for you, try adding a spoonful of sour cream or a diced avocado to help cool it down. It’s also great served with plain crackers or tortilla chips.
