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–+ servings
Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad

Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad: Your New Favorite Meal Prep Delight

Experience vibrant flavors with Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad, a high-protein meal prep delight that’s customizable and quick to prepare.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded provides a hearty protein base
  • 1 cup black beans, drained adds fiber and depth
  • 1 cup corn kernels fresh, canned, or thawed frozen
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced contributes crunch and vibrant color
  • 0.5 medium red onion, finely chopped adds sharpness and flavor
  • 1 medium avocado, diced add just before serving to prevent browning
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved offers juiciness and sweetness
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped enhances freshness
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt acts as a creamy base
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice provides acidity
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil adds richness
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • to taste salt essential for seasoning
  • to taste pepper essential for seasoning
Optional Additions
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese omit for a lighter version
  • to taste tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips for added crunch

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • tongs

Method
 

Dressing
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Salad Base
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken breast, drained black beans, and sweet corn. Add diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Fold the fresh ingredients together.
Adding Fresh Ingredients
  1. Just before dressing, dice the avocado and chop the cilantro. Gently fold them into the salad mixture.
Dressing the Salad
  1. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together.
Serving
  1. Transfer the salad to a serving platter and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired. Top with tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 32gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This salad is best served cold; however, if desired, gently reheat the chicken before mixing. Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

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