Description

Dense Bean Chicken Salad is a hearty, protein-packed salad combining tender cooked chicken breast with an array of beans, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing. Packed with black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, and avocado, this nutritious salad is lightly dressed with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, and spices. It’s perfect for a healthy lunch or meal prep, served chilled or at room temperature. This gluten-free salad offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures without any cooking required.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, finely diced
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 avocado, diced

Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded or chopped cooked chicken breast, rinsed and drained black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, corn kernels, chopped fresh cilantro, and diced avocado. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Using a gentle folding technique, toss the salad until all components are evenly coated with the dressing without mashing the avocado.
Chill and Serve: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature according to preference.

Notes

For extra crunch and color, add chopped bell peppers or celery to the salad.
Rotisserie chicken works well for convenience and adds extra flavor.
If storing the salad overnight, add the diced avocado just before serving to prevent browning.