Description
This Creamy Southwest Chicken Salad combines shredded rotisserie chicken with black beans, corn, red bell pepper, and a zesty, spiced mayonnaise dressing for a quick and flavorful meal or snack. Perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or easy dinner, this salad brings a southwestern twist with the addition of cumin, chili powder, and lime juice.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (about 1 rotisserie chicken)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 bunch green onions, diced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 tablespoons lime juice (start with 1 tablespoon)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Make Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lime juice, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings by adding more lime juice, salt, or pepper as needed to balance the flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: To the bowl containing the dressing, add the chopped or shredded cooked chicken, drained and rinsed black beans, drained corn, diced red onion, diced red bell pepper, and diced green onions. Stir everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and chill the salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Serve the creamy southwest chicken salad as is, or enjoy it on bread, crackers, or in lettuce cups for a refreshing twist.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation, or substitute with cooked chicken breast if preferred.
- Adjust the level of chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavors and helps the dressing meld with the ingredients.
- Serve as a sandwich filling or over mixed greens for a low-carb option.
- For a healthier version, substitute mayo with Greek yogurt or a light mayonnaise.
