Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy, spiced dressing, it brings a refreshing taste of the Southwest to your table.
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
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, onion, and cilantro. Mix well until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, taco seasoning, and lime juice until smooth and well combined.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
- Step 4: Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator until ready to serve for a cooler, more refreshing taste.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Add diced avocado or jalapeño for extra creaminess or heat.
- Ensure your taco seasoning and mayonnaise are labeled gluten-free if you need to avoid gluten.
- Try swapping black beans with pinto beans for a different flavor profile.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving after refrigeration. This salad is best enjoyed chilled, and it can be served on its own, as a filling for wraps, or over greens.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld, but add any fresh herbs or avocado just before serving to keep them vibrant.
Is this salad gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you choose a taco seasoning and mayonnaise that are certified gluten-free. Always check the labels to avoid hidden gluten ingredients.
PrintZesty Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe
This Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish combining shredded chicken with sweet corn, black beans, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, tangy taco-seasoned mayonnaise dressing. It’s perfect as a light lunch or a delicious side that brings a burst of Southwest-inspired zest to your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southwestern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
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 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, finely chopped onion, and fresh cilantro until the mixture is evenly distributed.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, taco seasoning, and lime juice until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Mix Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Season and Serve: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately for a fresh, zesty experience or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- To ensure this salad is gluten-free, make sure to select taco seasoning and mayonnaise brands that are certified gluten-free, as some products may contain gluten or cross-contamination risks.
- Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving can enhance the flavors and provide a refreshing taste.
- This salad can be served over a bed of greens or with tortilla chips for added texture.
Keywords: chicken salad, southwest chicken salad, no-cook salad, gluten free salad, taco seasoning, lime dressing, healthy chicken salad, easy lunch recipe
