Name: High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad: A Guilt-Free Taste
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southwest
Ingredients: 1 lb Chicken Breast, cooked and shredded; 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup Corn Kernels; 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced; 1/2 Red Onion, diced; 1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup Lime Juice; 2 tbsp Olive Oil; 1 tsp Chili Powder; 1/2 tsp Cumin; Salt and Pepper to taste; 6 cups Mixed Greens; 1 Avocado, diced (optional)

Jump to Recipe

I’m always on the hunt for meals that are both good for me and taste absolutely amazing, you know? Salads can be kinda… blah. But trust me, this High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad? It’s a total game-changer! It’s packed with flavor and protein, and the best part is, it comes together so fast. Seriously, we’re talking weeknight dinner hero material here.

What I love most is how easily you can tweak it to your liking. More spice? Go for it! Extra veggies? Pile ’em on! I’ve been making this for years, and it’s always a hit. It’s my go-to when I want something healthy, satisfying, and seriously delicious. You’ve gotta try it!

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Why You’ll Love This High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad

Okay, seriously, you’re gonna be obsessed with this salad. Here’s why:

It’s packed with protein, so you’ll stay full for hours.
The Southwest flavors are seriously addictive.
It’s so quick to make – perfect for busy weeknights!
You can totally customize it to your liking.
It’s a healthy and delicious meal option.

Perfect for a Quick and Healthy Meal

Let’s be real, sometimes you just don’t have time to cook. This salad is ready in minutes, especially if you meal prep the chicken ahead of time. Plus, it’s loaded with good-for-you ingredients, so you can feel good about what you’re eating. Win-win!

Customizable to Your Taste

Don’t like black beans? Swap ’em for pinto beans! Want more heat? Add some jalapeños! The beauty of this High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad is that you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. It’s your salad, so make it your own!

Ingredients for Your High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad

Alright, let’s gather everything we need to make this amazing High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad! I’m all about using fresh, quality ingredients – it really makes a difference. Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need. Don’t worry, most of it’s probably already in your pantry!

High Protein Component

You’ll need about 1 pound of cooked and shredded chicken breast. I usually bake mine, but grilled chicken works great too! Just make sure it’s cooked through, okay?

Southwest Flavor Boosters

Grab one can (15 ounces) of black beans. Make sure you rinse and drain them really well – nobody likes a watery salad! You’ll also need about 1 cup of corn kernels, plus chili powder and cumin for that signature Southwest kick.

Fresh Veggies

Chop up one red bell pepper and half a red onion – the colors look so pretty! And don’t forget about 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro. If you’re not a cilantro fan (I know some people aren’t!), you can totally skip it.

Dressing Ingredients

For the dressing, you’ll need 1/4 cup of lime juice (freshly squeezed is always best!) and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. That’s it! Simple, right?

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How to Make High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, are you ready to make this High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad magic happen? It’s easier than you think, I promise! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious and healthy meal in no time. I’ve broken it down so it’s super clear, even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen.

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables

First things first, let’s get our ingredients prepped. Make sure your chicken is cooked and shredded – you can even do this ahead of time to save some time. Then, dice that red bell pepper and red onion. Don’t forget to chop your cilantro too! It’s all about those fresh flavors.

Making the Southwest Dressing

Now, for the star of the show – the Southwest dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Seriously, just whisk it all together until it’s nicely combined. Give it a little taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. I sometimes add a pinch more chili powder for a little extra zing!

Assembling Your High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad

Alright, the moment we’ve been waiting for! In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Then, pour that amazing Southwest dressing over the top and toss everything together until it’s all nicely coated. Finally, divide your mixed greens among plates or bowls and top with the chicken salad mixture. If you’re feeling fancy, add some diced avocado on top! Serve it up and enjoy!

Tips for the Best High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad

Want to take your High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad from “good” to “OMG this is amazing!”? Of course, you do! Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years to make it absolutely perfect every single time. Trust me on these!

Chicken Cooking Methods

Okay, so the chicken is key. You can totally bake it (that’s my go-to!), but grilling it adds a smokey flavor that’s just… wow. Poaching works too if you’re watching your fat intake. Just make sure it’s cooked through and shredded nicely!

Spice Level Adjustment

Not a fan of too much heat? Start with a little chili powder and add more to taste. Want to kick it up a notch? A pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños will do the trick! It’s all about finding your perfect spice balance.

Variations for Your High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad, right? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and try some fun variations. The possibilities are endless, seriously! It’s all about experimenting and finding what YOU love. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

My favorite part is swapping out the herbs. Instead of cilantro, try some fresh parsley or even a little dill – it gives it a totally different vibe. For extra flavor, toss in some roasted red peppers or grilled zucchini. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for a serious kick! Ooh, and crumbled cotija cheese? Yes, please!

Serving Suggestions for High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad

So, you’ve got this amazing High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad… now what? It’s honestly great on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal, I’ve got some ideas! My favorite is serving it with some crunchy tortilla chips for dipping – so good! You could also stuff it into a whole wheat pita or wrap for a quick and easy lunch. Yum!

Frequently Asked Questions About High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad

Got questions about this High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about this recipe. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Can I make this High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Totally! This salad is actually great for meal prepping. You can cook the chicken and chop the veggies a day or two in advance. Just store the dressing separately and toss it all together right before serving. Easy peasy!

What other vegetables can I add to this High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad?

Oh, the possibilities! Feel free to add whatever veggies you love. Diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or even some shredded carrots would be delicious. Get creative and use what you have on hand!

How long does this High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad last in the refrigerator?

If you store it properly in an airtight container, this salad will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Just keep in mind that the avocado might brown a bit, so it’s best to add that right before serving if you can.

Nutritional Information for High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad

Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutrition info, right? I get it! Just keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates. The exact nutritional content of your High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad will vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. I’m not a nutritionist, so this is just a rough guide, okay?

Enjoyed This High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe?

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