Lightened-Up Southwestern Inspired Chicken Salad Recipe
This Lightened-Up Southwestern Inspired Chicken Salad is a healthy, flavorful dish combining shredded chicken with fresh vegetables and a zesty, creamy dressing made from light mayo, Greek yogurt, salsa, and lime juice. Perfect for a light lunch or a tasty protein-packed snack, it’s easy to prepare with fresh ingredients and a southwestern flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming pre-cooked chicken)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southwestern
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts (cooked, shredded finely)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 cup red bell pepper (diced)
- 1/2 cup red onion (diced)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (fresh, chopped)
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1/2 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup light mayo (Hellmann’s)
- 1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt (Fage)
- 2 tbsp mild salsa (Tostitos chunky salsa)
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 lime (juiced)
Instructions
- Shred the chicken: Finely shred the cooked chicken breasts using a stand mixer or hand mixer for the best texture and ease.
- Prepare vegetables and herbs: Finely dice the red bell pepper and red onion, and chop the fresh cilantro.
- Drain and rinse beans: Drain and rinse the black beans to remove excess sodium and liquid.
- Combine dressing ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together light mayo, plain non-fat Greek yogurt, taco seasoning, mild salsa, and freshly squeezed lime juice to create a zesty dressing.
- Mix salad components: Fold the shredded chicken, diced bell pepper, diced onion, chopped cilantro, corn, and black beans into the dressing gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Toss and serve: Toss all ingredients to ensure even distribution of flavors and serve chilled or at room temperature as desired.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked chicken breasts for quicker prep or roast your own for fresher flavor.
- Adjust salsa heat level to suit your preferred spice tolerance.
- For extra zest, add a pinch of fresh chili or hot sauce.
- This salad pairs well with whole grain tortillas or atop a bed of lettuce for a low-carb option.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: chicken salad, southwestern chicken salad, lightened chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, easy chicken salad, Greek yogurt dressing
