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Quick Southwest Chicken Salad with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

A vibrant bowl of southwest chicken salad featuring shredded chicken, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy green dressing.
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Make this satisfying Southwest Chicken Salad for a high-protein lunch or quick dinner. It features grilled chicken, black beans, corn, and a zesty, creamy cilantro lime dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • For the Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 cup water (or more, to thin)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Add water slowly until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Combine salad components: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, rinsed black beans, thawed corn, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
  3. Toss the base: Pour about half of the prepared dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  4. Assemble the salad: Place the chopped romaine lettuce into serving bowls. Top the lettuce evenly with the dressed chicken and vegetable mixture.
  5. Finish and serve: Top each salad with diced avocado. Drizzle extra dressing over the top as desired. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Notes

  • For easy meal prep, store the dressing separately and combine it with the salad ingredients just before eating.
  • You can grill chicken breasts seasoned with chili powder and cumin for extra Southwestern flavor.
  • If you prefer a non-creamy dressing, skip the Greek yogurt and use olive oil, lime juice, and spices instead.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/southwest-chicken-salad/