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Southwestern Chicken Salad

Delicious Southwestern Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt Twist

This Southwestern Chicken Salad is a protein-packed, vibrant dish that swaps mayo for Greek yogurt, perfect for a quick, healthy lunch.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2.5 cups Chicken Breast Feel free to substitute with shredded rotisserie or canned chicken for quicker prep.
  • to taste Kosher Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt Full-fat plain Greek yogurt or skyr recommended.
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice Fresh lime juice preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 can Black Beans Rinse and drain before use.
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper Finely diced for even distribution.
  • 1 cup Fire-Roasted Corn Fresh or frozen options work.
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion Finely diced.
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Optional.
For Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 medium Avocado Boosts creaminess and healthy fats.
  • 1/2 cup Diced Jalapeños For an extra kick of heat.

Equipment

  • pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk
  • Forks

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Southwestern Chicken Salad
  1. Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper, then place them in a pot. Cover the chicken with water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  2. After cooking, carefully transfer the chicken breasts to a mixing bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, aiming for a consistent texture.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika until smooth. Adjust seasoning based on taste preferences.
  4. Add the shredded chicken to the dressing bowl, followed by the black beans, diced red bell pepper, fire-roasted corn, finely diced red onion, and cilantro. Gently stir until all ingredients are coated.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Once chilled, stir the salad, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve on whole wheat toast, in a wrap, or alongside tortilla chips.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 28gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Expect a bit of liquid separation after storage; stir before serving.

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