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Quick Southwest Chicken Salad

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad for a Zesty, Healthy Lunch

This Quick Southwest Chicken Salad is a protein-packed, gluten-free, and dairy-free option perfect for a zesty, healthy lunch.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken or canned chicken for convenience
  • 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup sweet corn canned or frozen, drained if canned
  • 1 fresh jalapeño diced, adjust for spice preference
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes quartered
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped, can substitute with green onions
  • 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or sunflower seeds as a substitute
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayo or Greek yogurt Greek yogurt (regular or dairy-free) for a lighter option
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice or bottled lime juice in a pinch
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder experiment with chipotle powder for smokiness
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder fresh minced garlic works well as a substitute
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin or coriander as an alternative
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • a pinch salt

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayo or Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, rinsed black beans, drained sweet corn, diced jalapeño, quartered cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and pepitas. Gently toss until well mixed.
  3. Pour the prepared dressing over the combined ingredients and carefully fold until every piece is evenly coated.
  4. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or plate it onto fresh lettuce leaves. Serve immediately, adding additional pepitas on top if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 8gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For optimal freshness, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 4-5 days. Avoid freezing the salad to prevent a watery dressing.

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