Southwest Chicken Salad!

Southwest Chicken Salad | Easy & Flavorful Recipe

This Southwest Chicken Salad is packed with vibrant flavors, healthy ingredients, and a satisfying combination of textures. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and can be customized to your taste.

Ingredients:

• For the Salad:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded, can use rotisserie chicken)

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

  • 1/2 cup black beans (rinsed and drained if canned)

  • 1 avocado, diced

  • 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)

  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

• For the Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing (or a light version for fewer calories)

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (for a bit of heat and flavor)

  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin (adds a smoky flavor)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salad:

   • Start by shredding the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.

   • Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the avocado, and chop the romaine lettuce. Place all of these ingredients in a large salad bowl.

   • Add the corn, black beans, and green onions to the bowl with the other vegetables.

2. Make the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more chili powder for extra heat or lime juice for more tang.

3. Assemble the Salad:

   • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently, making sure the chicken, veggies, and dressing are well combined.

   • Top the salad with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro for garnish.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Serve immediately for the freshest flavors or chill in the fridge for a short time before serving.

   • This salad works great as a standalone meal, but you can also pair it with tortilla chips, rice, or a side of beans for a more hearty dish.

Q&A:

Q: Can I use a different dressing?

• A: Yes! You can swap the ranch dressing with a homemade dressing using Greek yogurt and lime juice for a lighter option, or try a salsa-based dressing for an extra burst of flavor.

Q: Can I make this salad in advance?

• A: You can prep the salad ingredients in advance (chop veggies, shred the chicken) and store them in separate containers in the fridge. However, it’s best to add the avocado and dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Q: Can I make this salad spicy?

• A: Absolutely! Add some diced jalapeños to the salad or increase the amount of chili powder in the dressing. You could also top it with a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Q: What can I add to make this salad more filling?

• A: You can add more protein like grilled shrimp, steak, or even blackened tofu. For extra texture, try adding crunchy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips.

Q: Can I make this salad vegetarian?

• A: Yes, simply omit the chicken and replace it with a protein like black beans, chickpeas, or roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes for a satisfying vegetarian version.