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Southwest Chicken Salad

Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad That's Bursting with Flavor

This Southwest Chicken Salad is a high-protein, gluten-free meal bursting with vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 lb Cooked Chicken (shredded) Rotisserie chicken simplifies meal prep!
  • 1 can (15.5 oz) Black Beans (drained and rinsed) Substitute with pinto beans or chickpeas
  • 1 can (15.25 oz) Corn (drained) Grilled corn for a smoky flavor
  • 1 fresh Jalapeño (deseeded, finely chopped) Substitute bell peppers for milder flavor
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (cut into quarters) Grape or regular diced tomatoes work too
  • 1 small Red Onion (finely chopped) Green onions for a milder taste
  • ¼ cup Pumpkin Seeds Sunflower seeds are a great alternative
For the Dressing
  • ¾ cup Greek Yogurt Dairy-free yogurt for plant-based option
  • 2 fresh Limes (juiced) Lemon juice is a good substitute
  • 1 tbsp Chili Powder Cayenne pepper for extra kick
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can elevate flavor
  • 1 tsp Cumin Coriander as a suitable replacement
  • 1 tsp Paprika Smoked paprika for enhanced flavor
  • ¼ tsp Salt Adjust to taste as needed

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk
  • spatula

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, combine ¾ cup of Greek yogurt, the juice of 2 fresh limes, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Whisk together until smooth.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 lb of shredded cooked chicken, 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans, and 1 can of drained corn. Incorporate 1 finely chopped jalapeño, 1 cup of quartered cherry tomatoes, and 1 small finely chopped red onion. Sprinkle in ¼ cup of pumpkin seeds.
  3. Gently mix all the salad ingredients together until evenly distributed, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine, about 1 minute.
  5. Serve the Southwest Chicken Salad immediately or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dressing separate until serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 33gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 580mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 12gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 25IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 20mg

Notes

Chill ingredients for crispness. Allow salad to sit for 30 minutes for deeper flavor. Dress just before serving to avoid sogginess.

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