Looking for a fast, flavorful, and filling meal? This Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad is exactly what you need. Packed with protein, fiber, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, spicy dressing, it brings bold southwestern flavors to your plate with minimal effort. Whether you’re meal prepping, serving a crowd, or simply craving something refreshing and satisfying, this salad delivers every time.

Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High in protein and fiber: Chicken and black beans make this salad filling and nutritious.
Bright, bold flavors: Lime, chili powder, and cumin give it a zesty kick that’s anything but boring.
Fresh and creamy: Crunchy vegetables meet creamy avocado and a tangy Greek yogurt-based dressing.
Great for meal prep: Make it in advance—it stores well and gets even better as the flavors meld.
Customizable: Swap ingredients or adjust the spice level to suit your tastes.

Ingredients

(Tip: you can find full ingredient list and measurements in the recipe card below)

Cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Black beans, rinsed and drained
Corn (frozen and thawed or canned)
Red bell pepper
Cherry tomatoes
Avocado
Red onion
Fresh cilantro
Greek yogurt
Mayonnaise
Lime juice
Chili powder
Ground cumin
Salt and pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Use leftover grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken, or cook your own. Once cooled, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

Dice the red bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, cube the avocado, finely chop the red onion, and roughly chop the fresh cilantro.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Optional Step: Chill Before Serving

Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor. Serve cold and enjoy!

Variations

Make it spicier: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Low-carb version: Skip the corn and beans and bulk up on leafy greens instead.
Add crunch: Top with crushed tortilla chips or roasted pepitas just before serving.
Make it vegan: Use a plant-based chicken alternative and dairy-free yogurt/mayo.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Best fresh: For optimal texture, enjoy this salad fresh or within 24 hours.
Avoid freezing: Due to the avocado and dairy-based dressing, freezing is not recommended.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It stores well in the fridge and actually tastes better after chilling for a bit.

Is this salad spicy?

It’s mildly spicy from the chili powder and cumin, but you can easily adjust the heat level.

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, though freshly cooked chicken gives the best texture and flavor.

How can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free yogurt and mayo alternatives for a completely dairy-free version.

What can I use instead of mayo?

You can substitute mayo with more Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a healthier twist.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. It’s a great time-saving option and works perfectly in this salad.

How do I keep avocado from browning?

Add extra lime juice and mix it in well. Also, store the salad in an airtight container.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check store-bought items like canned beans and mayo.

What pairs well with this salad?

Try serving it with tortilla chips, on a bed of lettuce, or in a tortilla wrap.

Can I freeze this salad?

It’s not recommended due to the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing.

Conclusion

This Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad is everything a good salad should be—nutritious, bursting with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re eating it straight from the bowl, stuffing it in wraps, or scooping it up with chips, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, fresh, and perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep. Make it once and it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Chef sara