Print

Quick & Easy High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad with Creamy Cilantro-Lime Dressing

Close-up of a vibrant southwest chicken salad featuring sliced chicken, avocado, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and creamy cilantro dressing.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this satisfying Southwest Chicken Salad for a high protein lunch or dinner. It features tender chicken, black beans, corn, and a zesty, creamy avocado-lime dressing. This recipe is fast and great for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • For the Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, nonfat)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons water (or more, to thin)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: Combine Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. Add water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired creamy consistency. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, thawed corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chopped cilantro.
  3. Add half of the prepared dressing to the chicken mixture. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  4. Divide the romaine lettuce among four serving bowls. Top the lettuce evenly with the dressed chicken mixture.
  5. Garnish each salad with diced avocado just before serving. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top as desired.

Notes

  • For meal prep, store the dressing separately from the salad components to keep the lettuce crisp. Combine just before eating.
  • If you do not have cooked chicken, you can grill or pan-sear 1 pound of chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili powder, then shred or dice it.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten free.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/southwest-chicken-salad-recipe-quick-easy/