What is in a Southwest chicken salad?

A classic southwest chicken salad recipe includes shredded chicken breast, full-fat Greek yogurt, lime juice, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped cilantro. The flavor comes from a mix of cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne. This version skips the mayo and still delivers bold flavor and a creamy texture.

What dressing goes on Southwest salad?

In this southwest chicken salad recipe , the dressing is a light, zesty blend of Greek yogurt, lime juice, and Southwest spices. It’s creamy without being heavy, and you can adjust the spice level to your taste. This simple homemade mix beats bottled dressings every time.

What's in Panera Southwest chicken salad?

Panera’s take is a bit different from this homemade southwest chicken salad recipe . Theirs usually includes grilled chicken, avocado, corn and black bean salsa, feta cheese, tortilla strips, and a chipotle ranch dressing on top of mixed greens. While delicious, it’s often heavier and more processed than a fresh, homemade version.

What ingredients to put in chicken salad?

In a traditional or southwest chicken salad recipe , the base starts with shredded or chopped chicken. Then you add a creamy binder—like Greek yogurt or mayo—along with veggies for crunch, herbs for flavor, and seasonings for depth. For a Southwest twist, ingredients like black beans, corn, bell peppers, and smoky spices give it a bold, satisfying flavor profile. This southwest chicken salad recipe gives you a modern, healthy take on a classic dish. It’s packed with texture, flavor, and the kind of nutrition that makes it perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you’re serving it on toast, in a wrap, or scooping it with chips, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy it.

Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe – 7 Bold Flavors You’ll Love

Description

This Southwest Chicken Salad recipe blends Greek yogurt, shredded chicken, black beans, fire-roasted corn, lime, and smoky Southwest spices for a creamy, high-protein meal that’s perfect for lunch or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast *
kosher salt & black pepper to taste
1 cup full-fat plain greek yogurt or skyr
2 tbsp lime juice
¾ tsp ground cumin
¾ tsp chili powder
¾ tsp smoked paprika
kosher salt & black pepper to taste
cayenne optional, to taste
¾ cup black beans
½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
½ cup corn (I prefer fire-roasted)
¼ cup finely diced red onion
¼ cup chopped cilantro

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Instructions

Add chicken breasts to a medium pot with salt and pepper. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Simmer 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
Transfer to a bowl and shred with forks or a mixer.
In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lime juice, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and cayenne.
Add shredded chicken, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Stir to combine.
Chill for 30 minutes. Serve with toast, wraps, or chips.

Notes

You can use rotisserie or canned chicken (about 2.5 cups shredded) for a faster version. Salad lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: salads
Method: boiling
Cuisine: Southwest American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 231
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 201
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 75mg