Yield
6–8 servings
Prep Time
20 minutes
Chill Time
30 minutes (optional)
Total Time
20–50 minutes
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
Creamy Southwest Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Cook and cool the chicken if not already cooked.
- Drain and rinse black beans.
- Dice tomatoes and onion.
- Chop cilantro and jalapeño.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a bowl whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt
- Lime juice
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl combine:
- Chicken
- Black beans
- Corn
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Cilantro
- Jalapeño
Pour dressing over the mixture.
Gently toss until evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (1/8 recipe)
Approximate values:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
Nutrition varies based on ingredients used.
Nut Information
Does This Recipe Contain Nuts?
No. The standard recipe contains:
- No peanuts
- No tree nuts
- No nut oils
Potential Cross-Contamination Sources
Always check labels on:
- Mayonnaise
- Yogurt
- Seasoning blends
- Packaged cooked chicken
If serving someone with severe allergies, verify products are produced in nut-free facilities if necessary.
Allergen Information
Contains:
- Eggs (mayonnaise)
- Dairy (Greek yogurt or sour cream)
May contain:
- Mustard (depending on mayonnaise brand)
Dairy-Free Option
Replace Greek yogurt with:
- Dairy-free yogurt
- Additional mayonnaise
Egg-Free Option
Use:
- Vegan mayonnaise
Serving Ideas
On Crackers
A great high-protein snack or lunch.
As a Sandwich
Serve on:
- Whole wheat bread
- Brioche buns
- Croissants
Lettuce Wraps
Use:
- Romaine leaves
- Butter lettuce
- Iceberg lettuce cups
In Tortillas
Roll into:
- Wraps
- Burritos
- Pinwheels
As a Dip
Serve with:
- Tortilla chips
- Bell pepper strips
- Cucumber slices
Optional Add-Ins
- Diced avocado
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Pepper Jack cheese
- Green onions
- Diced bell peppers
- Sliced olives
- Hot sauce
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for:
- Up to 4 days
Freezing
Not recommended because the creamy dressing can separate after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken works exceptionally well and saves time.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Yes. In fact, the flavor improves after a few hours in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add:
- Extra jalapeños
- Chipotle powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Hot sauce
Q: Is it healthy?
It can be a nutritious meal because it provides:
- Lean protein from chicken
- Fiber from beans
- Vitamins from vegetables
For a lighter version, use all Greek yogurt and reduce the mayonnaise.
Q: Can I use canned chicken?
Yes. Drain well before mixing.
Q: How do I keep it from becoming watery?
- Drain beans thoroughly.
- Remove excess tomato seeds.
- Chill before serving.
Q: Can I use different beans?
Absolutely.
Good substitutes include:
- Pinto beans
- Kidney beans
- White beans
Q: What goes well with this salad?
Popular pairings include:
- Tortilla chips
- Fresh fruit
- Coleslaw
- Corn salad
- Green salad
- Soup
Pro Tips
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
- Let the salad chill at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Dice vegetables into small, uniform pieces for better texture.
- Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- For extra Southwest flavor, add a spoonful of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
This creamy Southwest Chicken Salad is rich, flavorful, and versatile—perfect for meal prep, picnics,