Quick Southwest Chicken Salad

In today's fast-paced world, the demand for quick and healthy meals has never been greater. Busy lifestyles often leave little time for meal prep, yet maintaining a nutritious diet is essential for overall well-being. Enter the Quick Southwest Chicken Salad—a vibrant, flavor-packed option that not only satisfies your taste buds but also delivers a wealth of health benefits. This salad is perfect for those seeking a quick lunch, dinner, or a refreshing side dish for gatherings.

Discover the Quick Southwest Chicken Salad, a delicious and nutritious meal that can be prepared in no time! Packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber from black beans, and healthy fats from avocado, this vibrant salad is perfect for busy lifestyles. With its colorful blend of fresh vegetables and optional toppings like cheese and tortilla chips, it caters to all tastes. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or gatherings, this salad is a quick and healthy delight that you'll love to make!

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 avocado, diced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

1 lime, juiced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

Tortilla chips or crushed tortilla strips for garnish

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro.

Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Mix Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything to combine, ensuring that the avocado and chicken are well coated and not mashed.

Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice as desired.

Serve: Transfer the Southwest Chicken Salad to serving plates or bowls. If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and garnish with tortilla chips or crushed tortilla strips for added crunch.

Enjoy: Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings