Quick Southwest Chicken Salad 

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Mixed greens for serving

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to combine.
  4. Serve the salad over a bed of mixed greens.
  5. Prep Time: 15 minutes  | Total Time: 15 minutes
  6. Kcal: 320 kcal  | Servings: 4 servings

FAQ:

1. What ingredients are needed to make Quick Southwest Chicken Salad?

Answer: To make Quick Southwest Chicken Salad, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
  • Romaine lettuce or mixed greens
  • Black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Red bell pepper, diced
  • Avocado, diced
  • Red onion, thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
  • Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips (optional, for crunch)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

For the Dressing:

  • Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Lime juice
  • Olive oil
  • Cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

2. How do you prepare the dressing for the Southwest Chicken Salad?

Answer: To prepare the dressing:

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, and olive oil.
  2. Add the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  4. If the dressing is too thick, you can thin it out with a small amount of water or additional lime juice.

3. Can you make any substitutions for dietary restrictions or preferences?

Answer: Yes, you can make several substitutions to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences:

  • For a dairy-free dressing, use a dairy-free yogurt alternative or a vinaigrette-based dressing.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more beans or a meat substitute like grilled tofu or tempeh.
  • For a vegan version, use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the dressing and ensure any cheese and tortilla strips are vegan.
  • If you are gluten-free, ensure that the tortilla strips or chips are gluten-free and use plain grilled chicken instead of any pre-seasoned options that might contain gluten.

4. How should Quick Southwest Chicken Salad be stored if not serving immediately?

Answer: If not serving immediately, store the salad components separately to keep them fresh:

  1. Store the greens, vegetables, and chicken in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
  2. Store the dressing in a separate container with a tight-fitting lid.
  3. Keep any tortilla strips or chips in a sealed bag or container at room temperature to maintain their crunch.
  4. When ready to serve, combine the ingredients and toss with the dressing.

5. How can Quick Southwest Chicken Salad be served or used?

Answer: Quick Southwest Chicken Salad can be served in various ways:

  • As a main dish salad: Simply toss all ingredients together and serve in large bowls.
  • In a wrap or burrito: Use the salad as a filling for whole wheat tortillas or wraps.
  • As a side dish: Serve smaller portions alongside grilled meats or other main dishes.
  • Meal prep option: Prepare the salad ingredients and dressing in advance, then assemble them in individual meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

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