A quick, fresh salad with canned chicken, beans, corn, and avocado. Easy to make and good any day.
introduction
This Southwest Chicken Salad is bright, fast, and full of flavor. It uses simple pantry items and fresh veggies. If you like creamy avocado mixes, try a related dish like avocado egg salad with chicken and bacon for another easy meal.
why make this recipe
You can make it in minutes. It needs little cooking. The salad is healthy, filling, and good for work lunch or a quick dinner. It uses canned chicken so you save time.
how to make Southwest Chicken Salad
Make the salad in one big bowl. Chop the veggies small so each bite has many flavors. Mix the dressing separate and pour it over just before serving. For a creamier twist, try a similar creamy mix like creamy avocado egg chicken salad to see another flavor idea.
Ingredients :
- canned chicken
- peppers
- black soy beans
- lettuce
- cherry tomatoes
- corn
- avocado
- cilantro
- lime juice
- olive oil
- salt
- pepper
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine the canned chicken, diced peppers, black soy beans, chopped lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, corn, and diced avocado.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
how to serve Southwest Chicken Salad
Serve it cold or slightly chilled. Put it on a plate or in a bowl. Add tortilla chips or warm tortillas on the side for crunch. You can also serve it over rice or quinoa. For another bold mix, see the bacon jalapeno cottage cheese chicken salad for a spicy, savory option.
how to store Southwest Chicken Salad
Put the salad in an airtight container. Keep the dressing separate if you can. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. If mixed with dressing, eat within 24 hours for best texture.
tips to make Southwest Chicken Salad
- Use ripe avocado so it is soft and creamy.
- Drain canned chicken and beans well to avoid extra water.
- Chop vegetables small for easy eating.
- Taste the dressing and add more lime or salt if needed.
variation (if any)
- Add shredded cheese or crumbled feta.
- Swap black soy beans with black beans or pinto beans.
- Add cooked corn if you do not have canned corn.
- Add jalapeño for heat or use a mild pepper for less spice.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?
A: Yes. Cook and shred the chicken first, then mix as shown.
Q: How long will the salad last in the fridge?
A: Up to 2 days if you keep it in an airtight container. It is best the first day.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a picnic?
A: Pack the dressing separately and toss the salad before you eat to keep it fresh.
Conclusion
For another take on southwestern flavors, you can follow the detailed recipe on Southwestern Chicken Salad | Munchin’ With Maddie.
Print
Southwest Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Healthy
Description
A quick, fresh salad with canned chicken, beans, corn, and avocado, perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
- 1 can canned chicken
- 1 cup diced peppers
- 1 can black soy beans, drained
- 2 cups chopped lettuce
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup corn
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the canned chicken, diced peppers, black soy beans, chopped lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, corn, and diced avocado.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
Use ripe avocado for a creamy texture. Keep the dressing separate when storing to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: salad, quick meals, healthy recipes, canned chicken