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Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe

Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe

5.1 from 15 reviews

This Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad combines tender shredded chicken with vibrant corn, black beans, fresh tomatoes, and a tangy taco-seasoned mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, this flavorful salad offers a delightful balance of protein, veggies, and zesty Southwest flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (approximately 1 pound)
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, and fresh cilantro until evenly distributed to form the base of your salad.
  2. Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, taco seasoning, and lime juice until the mixture is smooth, creating a flavorful and tangy dressing.
  3. Mix Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are well coated with the zesty dressing.
  4. Season and Serve: Taste the salad and add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors. Serve immediately for the freshest taste or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a light mayo alternative.
  • You can add diced avocado or jalapeños for extra creaminess or heat.
  • To keep it gluten-free, ensure the taco seasoning is certified gluten-free.
  • This salad can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days for convenience.
  • Serve with tortilla chips or as a filling for wraps.

Nutrition

Keywords: southwest chicken salad, zesty chicken salad, black bean chicken salad, easy chicken salad, taco chicken salad