This colorful Southwest Chicken Salad is packed with tasty ingredients like grilled chicken, black beans, corn, and fresh veggies. It’s healthy and super filling—perfect for lunch or dinner!
I love how vibrant it looks on my plate; it’s like a fiesta! 🎉 Plus, you can whip it up in no time—just toss everything together and enjoy the fresh flavors in every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut here. You can also use leftover chicken or even canned chicken if you’re short on time.
Black Beans: If you don’t have black beans, feel free to swap in kidney beans or pinto beans. They’ll still add that hearty texture.
Corn: Fresh corn is lovely in this salad, but canned or frozen corn works just as well. If using frozen, just thaw it first.
Bell Peppers: Feel free to use any color of bell pepper. Yellow or orange peppers add a nice sweetness, and if you want a spicier kick, try using jalapeños instead.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt gives a creamy texture but if you prefer, sour cream or even avocado could work as tasty alternatives.
Pumpkin Seeds: If you don’t have pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or even chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts are perfect for that crunchy finish.
How Do I Make the Perfect Dressing for My Salad?
The dressing is what makes this Southwest Chicken Salad sing! It’s important to mix the ingredients well so everything is nicely coated. Start by combining Greek yogurt, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Make sure everything is well-blended; this allows the spices to release their flavors.
- Adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like more heat, add extra chili powder or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- After mixing, pour it over the salad and gently combine. This prevents the veggies from getting mushy.
Chilling the salad gives it time for the flavors to meld together, so don’t skip that step!
How to Make Southwest Chicken Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (or sunflower seeds)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’ll spend around 45 minutes, with most of that time letting the flavors blend together in the fridge. It’s quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, diced green bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Gently mix everything together until combined.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This will be the tasty dressing that brings all the flavors together!
3. Mix the Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir everything gently until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
4. Add Some Crunch:
Gently fold in the pumpkin seeds (or sunflower seeds) to add a nice crunch to your salad. This makes it even more delicious!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, spoon the salad into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
Enjoy your refreshing Southwest Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great in this salad. Just shred the meat and remove the skin before mixing it into your salad for extra flavor and convenience.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with sour cream or even a dairy-free yogurt alternative if you’re looking for a vegan option. Just make sure it has a similar consistency for the best results!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but keep in mind that the vegetables may become a bit softer over time.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumber, avocado, or even black olives for more flavor and texture. Just be mindful of how these additional ingredients might change the overall flavor profile of the salad.
