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+ servings
Southwestern Chicken Salad

Zesty Southwestern Chicken Salad for Quick, Healthy Lunches

This Southwestern Chicken Salad is a vibrant and healthy dish that offers quick meal prep without sacrificing flavor.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast poached and shredded; rotisserie chicken can be used
  • 1 can black beans drained; can be replaced with chickpeas
  • 1 medium red bell pepper chopped; green bell peppers can be used
  • 1 cup corn fresh, frozen, or canned
  • ½ medium red onion finely chopped; shallots or green onions can be used
  • ¼ cup cilantro chopped; omit if not a fan or substitute with parsley
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt substitute with low-fat or vegan option for lighter version
  • 1 each lime juice fresh juice preferred
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika regular paprika can be used
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust according to heat preference
  • to taste salt & pepper for balancing flavors

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • two forks
  • airtight container

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large pot, cover the chicken with water, bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until cooked.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt with lime juice. Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Once the chicken has cooled, shred it and add to the bowl with the dressing. Then add black beans, red bell pepper, corn, red onion, and cilantro. Stir gently until combined.
  4. Cover the bowl tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  5. Before serving, stir the salad to redistribute the dressing. Serve in bowls or plates, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 10gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Best served cold. Avoid reheating to maintain freshness. Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

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