I am a big fan of easy meals that taste amazing, and Southwest flavors are always a winner in my kitchen. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic chicken salad recipes that bring that vibrant taste right to your table. Both are perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
Whether you prefer a milder classic or something with a bit of a kick, you’re going to love these simple options. They use common ingredients and come together in no time, making your meal planning much easier. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Easy Southwest Chicken Salad: A Quick Lunch Idea
- 2. Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad for Zesty Meals
Easy Southwest Chicken Salad: A Quick Lunch Idea
I love how simple this chicken salad is to make. It’s packed with vibrant flavors and perfect for a satisfying meal any day.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Rotisserie Chicken: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes prep super fast. Just shred it for the salad.
- Fresh Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime brightens all the flavors in the salad. It really makes a difference!
What You Need
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup canned corn, drained
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 15 mins🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Get Ready
In a large mixing bowl, add your shredded cooked chicken, chopped red onion, drained corn, rinsed and drained black beans, chopped bell pepper, and fresh cilantro.
Step 2: Mix It Up
Now, add the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Stir everything together very well until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasonings if you like.
📝 Final Note
This salad tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for 30 minutes. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad for Zesty Meals
If you like a little kick, this spicy chicken salad is for you! It’s super easy to make and brings a wonderful warmth to your plate.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Adjustable Heat: Control the spice by adding more or less minced jalapeño or cayenne pepper. Start with a little, then add to your preference.
- Creamy Base Options: You can use all mayonnaise, or for a lighter, tangier version, use half mayonnaise and half plain Greek yogurt.
What You Need
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or half mayo, half Greek yogurt)
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup canned corn, drained
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 15 mins🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Combine Dry
In a big bowl, add your shredded cooked chicken, red onion, corn, black beans, minced jalapeño (if you’re using it for extra spice), and fresh cilantro.
Step 2: Make it Spicy
Now, add the mayonnaise (or your mayo/yogurt mix), lime juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything really well until all the ingredients are coated and combined. Taste and adjust for spice and seasoning.
📝 Final Note
Serve this spicy salad in lettuce wraps, on toasted bread, or with your favorite tortilla chips for a complete and tasty meal.