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+ servings
Quick Southwest Chicken Salad

Energizing Quick Southwest Chicken Salad for Bright Days

This Quick Southwest Chicken Salad combines bold spices and a rainbow of fresh vegetables, making it perfect for a nutritious lunch or quick meal prep.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Dressing Time 2 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Southwest
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups Cooked Shredded Chicken Substitute with canned chicken for a quicker option.
  • 1 can Black Beans Rinse and drain before using.
  • 1 cup Corn Fresh or canned, drain well if using canned.
  • 1 medium Fresh Jalapeños Adjust quantity based on spice preference.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Can be quartered or halved.
  • 1 small Red Onion Green onion can be a milder alternative.
  • 1/4 cup Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds) Substitute with sunflower seeds if desired.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayo or Greek Yogurt Greek yogurt offers a healthier alternative.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice Freshly squeezed is preferred.
  • 1 tbsp Chili Powder Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • medium bowl
  • large mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • spatula

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a medium bowl, combine mayo or Greek yogurt with lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and salt. Whisk until creamy and well blended. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add shredded cooked chicken, rinsed black beans, and drained corn. Add chopped jalapeños, sliced cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Toss in pepitas.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently fold until all components are well coated.
  4. Serve immediately in individual bowls or layer in wraps or over lettuce. Garnish with extra pepitas or a wedge of lime if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 10gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Store the salad and dressing separately to maintain freshness and texture. For spice levels, start with a small amount of jalapeños and adjust to taste.

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