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Quick Southwest Chicken Salad

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad: A Zesty Meal Prep Delight

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish perfect for busy nights, combining tender chicken, black beans, and a zesty dressing.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken Add canned chicken for convenience.
  • 1 can black beans Rinse and drain before using.
  • 1 cup corn Frozen corn can be used as a substitute.
  • 1-2 pieces fresh jalapeños Adjust based on spice preference.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes Halved; optional.
  • ¼ cup red onion Finely chopped.
  • ¼ cup pepitas Pumpkin seeds; sunflower seeds are an alternative.
For the Dressing
  • ½ cup mayo or Greek yogurt Use dairy-free yogurt for a diet-friendly version.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice Lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder Adjust to taste.
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder Fresh garlic can be used.
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • a pinch salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Quick Southwest Chicken Salad
  1. In a medium bowl, combine mayo or Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add cooked shredded chicken, drained black beans, corn, chopped fresh jalapeños, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and pepitas. Gently toss together.
  3. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Gently fold until everything is well coated, about 2 minutes.
  4. Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy it on its own, in a sandwich, over lettuce, or in a wrap.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Keep the dressing separate until serving for optimal freshness.

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