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–+ servings
Southwest Chicken Salad

Savory Southwest Chicken Salad in Just 15 Minutes

Quick and delicious Southwest Chicken Salad, packed with vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients—ready in just 15 minutes!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 4 cups Coleslaw Mix Substitute with shredded lettuce or kale for a different base.
  • 2 cups Cooked Chicken (chopped) Roast or grilled chicken works best; rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.
  • 1 cup Green Onions Can be swapped with red onion for a sharper taste.
  • 1/2 cup Cilantro Replace with parsley if you dislike cilantro.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (quartered) Any small tomatoes can work.
  • 1 cup Sweet Corn (cooked) Frozen corn can be used if fresh is unavailable.
  • 1 can Black Beans (rinsed and drained) Canned beans save time, while dry beans require cooking beforehand.
  • 1 medium Jalapeno Pepper (seeded and coarsely chopped) Omit for a milder salad.
For the Dressing
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Garlic powder can be a quick substitute (1/4 tsp per clove).
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger (minced) Substitute with ground ginger (1/4 tsp).
  • 1/4 cup Lime Juice Fresh lime juice is preferred for better taste, but bottled is acceptable.
  • 1 tbsp Honey Maple syrup is a vegan alternative.
  • 1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar Apple cider vinegar can also be used.
  • 1/2 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Leaves (packed) Reinforces cilantro flavor in the dressing.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • mason jar
  • salad tongs

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Southwest Chicken Salad
  1. Begin by chopping your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform for even distribution in the salad. This step should take about 2 minutes.
  2. In the same bowl, add the coleslaw mix, black beans, corn, green onions, quartered cherry tomatoes, and cilantro. Gently toss all the ingredients together using salad tongs or your hands to ensure they are well mixed without bruising the vegetables. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
  3. In a small mason jar, combine coarsely chopped jalapeno, minced garlic, ginger, lime juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until all the ingredients are well emulsified and the dressing is smooth.
  4. Drizzle the freshly made dressing over the salad mixture generously. Use the tongs to toss the salad thoroughly, ensuring every bit of the colorful ingredients is evenly coated with the dressing. This step should take about 1-2 minutes. Add the tortilla strips last to maintain their crunchiness.
  5. Your luscious Southwest Chicken Salad is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it immediately in bowls or on a large platter for a family-style meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1800IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Add dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess. Store leftovers properly in separate containers.

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