Name: High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or 2 cans chicken, drained; ½ cup corn (canned, fresh, or thawed frozen); ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained; ⅓ cup red bell pepper, finely diced; ¼ cup red or green onion, finely diced; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 small avocado, diced; Juice of 1 lime; ½ cup mayo or Greek yogurt (or half and half); 1 tsp hot sauce or chipotle sauce; ½ tsp cumin; ¼ tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe·4 from 6 reviews

If you are craving a meal that’s bursting with bold flavors, vibrant colors, and packed with nutrients, this High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe is your new go-to. Combining tender shredded chicken with the smoky allure of southwestern spices, creamy avocado, and fresh veggies, this salad delivers satisfying protein and refreshing zest all in one bowl. Whether you want a quick lunch, a hearty dinner, or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this recipe is designed to please your taste buds while keeping things healthy and exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows nine clear glass bowls and a halved avocado arranged on a white marbled surface. In the middle, there is a bowl filled with light beige shredded pieces, surrounded by smaller bowls: bright yellow corn kernels at top left, rich red sauce at top center, pale yellowish liquid at top right, creamy white sauce slightly below right, shiny black beans at bottom right, chopped red peppers bottom left, chopped green herbs left center, and a small bowl of mixed spices with red, brown, and white powder at bottom left corner. Two avocado halves with a scored green flesh are placed near the bottom center. A soft peach cloth drapes in the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients for this High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe is a breeze. Each item plays a part in creating a wonderful balance of textures and flavors, from the creamy avocado that adds richness to the crisp crunch of fresh bell pepper that brightens every bite.

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or 2 cans chicken, drained: The star protein element that makes this salad filling and satisfying.
½ cup corn (canned, fresh, or thawed frozen): Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color.
½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained: Boosts fiber content and gives the salad a hearty southwestern vibe.
⅓ cup red bell pepper, finely diced: Brings a crisp texture and fresh vibrance to every forkful.
¼ cup red or green onion, finely diced: Adds a bit of zing and aromatic depth.
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Infuses the salad with a bright, herbal freshness.
1 small avocado, diced: Creamy richness that balances the spices and adds healthy fats.
Juice of 1 lime: Gives the salad a fresh, tangy brightness that ties all ingredients together.
½ cup mayo or Greek yogurt (or half and half): Forms the creamy base for the dressing, adding moisture and body.
1 tsp hot sauce or chipotle sauce: Brings smoky heat to complement the southwestern theme.
½ tsp cumin: The warming spice that delivers authentic southwestern flavor.
¼ tsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness and beautiful color.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.

How to Make High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by draining the canned chicken, corn, and black beans thoroughly to avoid extra moisture. Next, finely dice your red bell pepper and onion, chop the fresh cilantro, and cube the avocado. Prepping all these fresh components upfront is key to tossing your salad smoothly and ensuring every bite offers a mix of textures.

Step 2: Whip Up the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine your mayo or Greek yogurt with hot sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and taste it. Don’t hesitate to tweak the seasoning to your preference; a little more heat or a touch more lime can elevate this dressing from good to unforgettable.

Step 3: Combine the Salad Base

Grab a large bowl and mix together the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, diced bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and freshly squeezed lime juice. This medley forms the vibrant and protein-packed foundation of your salad, perfectly balancing hearty and fresh ingredients.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad base and gently stir until every ingredient gets enveloped in that creamy, smoky sauce. This step ensures the flavors marry beautifully and every forkful bursts with southwestern charm.

Step 5: Fold in the Avocado

Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado. This delicate addition adds a luscious creaminess and healthy fats that soften the robust southwestern flavors while adding a velvety texture.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad chilled. It’s splendid on its own in a bowl, wrapped up in tortillas for an easy handheld meal, or paired with crunchy tortilla chips for a delightful dip experience.

How to Serve High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe

A white bowl filled with a creamy mixture of shredded light beige chicken, yellow corn kernels, and small black beans, topped with bright green chopped herbs and light red seasoning flakes. A wedge of fresh green lime is placed on the right edge of the bowl. A white slice of bread dipped in the creamy mixture rests on the left edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a wooden board with two lime wedges and three white slices of bread behind it. The background is a white marbled texture with a soft pink cloth on the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your serving presentation with a sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro, a few thin slices of jalapeño for heat, or a dollop of sour cream or extra Greek yogurt to cool things down. A wedge of lime on the side is a nice touch for those who love an added citrus kick.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with warm corn tortillas, a side of black bean soup, or grilled street corn for a full southwestern-inspired meal. For something lighter, crunchy veggie sticks or fresh fruit salsa complement the flavors beautifully without overpowering the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this salad layered in a clear jar for meal prep or as a taco salad in crispy tortilla bowls. You can even spread it onto slices of toasted ciabatta for a hearty open-faced sandwich. Whatever the presentation, the vibrant colors and bold flavors make it an inviting dish every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the avocado mixed in if you plan to consume it quickly, or add fresh avocado at serving time to avoid browning and maintain the best texture.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy dressing and avocado content, which can separate or become mushy after thawing. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken separately without dressing, then combine fresh ingredients when ready to eat.

Reheating

Since this dish is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. If you want a warm option, try heating just the chicken before mixing it fresh with the rest of the ingredients and dressing.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie or canned?

Absolutely! Grilled or baked chicken breast shredded or diced will work perfectly and add freshness to your salad.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Just keep the avocado separate until serving to maintain its bright color and creamy texture, and add it fresh each day.

Can I make the dressing vegan?

For a vegan version, substitute the mayo or Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative and ensure your hot sauce contains no animal products.

What can I add for extra crunch?

Try tossing in some toasted pepitas, chopped nuts, or crispy tortilla strips for an added crunch that complements the creamy and tender ingredients.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free canned goods and condiments.

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe is truly a treasure for anyone who loves a quick, delicious, and nourishing meal. It brings together simple ingredients that transform into an irresistible dish full of flavor, color, and satisfying protein. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your kitchen as it has become in mine!