Name: Southwest Flavored Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Southwest
Ingredients: 1 lb cooked shredded chicken (about 2-3 breasts); 1 can (15.5 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can (15.25 oz) corn, drained; 1-2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and chopped; ¾ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered; ½ cup red onion, chopped; ¼ cup pepitas or sunflower seeds; ¾ cup mayo or Greek yogurt (dairy-free or regular); ¼ cup fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; ¼ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to meet your new favorite lunch or meal prep star: Southwest Flavored Chicken Salad. This vibrant bowl bursts with bold flavors, tons of crunch, and a tangy, creamy dressing that makes every bite crave-worthy. Whether you pack it for a picnic, pile it onto a sandwich, or scoop it straight from the fridge, it’s the ultimate quick meal that tastes anything but ordinary. With its riot of colors and that irresistible Southwest kick, this salad will easily become a household staple!

Southwest Flavored Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love that every ingredient in this Southwest Flavored Chicken Salad is both easy to find and totally essential for building up its unique southwestern spirit. Each component adds something special—whether it’s texture, creaminess, heat, or freshness—so don’t skip a thing if you want the full experience!

Cooked shredded chicken: The heart of the salad, bringing satisfying protein and a sturdy bite—use leftovers or a rotisserie chicken to save time!
Black beans: These add richness and a plant-based boost while soaking up the dressing beautifully.
Corn: Sweet pops of flavor and golden color that balance the savory and spicy notes.
Fresh jalapeños: For those smoky, tingling notes; adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Cherry tomatoes: Their juicy tartness brightens up the entire bowl with a little burst of color.
Red onion: A crunchy punch of flavor that gives the salad a lively, zesty edge.
Pepitas or sunflower seeds: These add irresistible crunch and a mild, almost nutty undertone.
Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: This forms the creamy dressing base and keeps everything luscious—choose dairy-free if you wish!
Fresh lime juice: Gives that tangy, citrusy kick that defines all the best Southwest dressings.
Chili powder: For earthy depth and just the right storybook hint of spice.
Garlic powder: Adds mellow aromatic notes that blend into the dressing seamlessly.
Cumin: Offers a warm, smoky backbone that fits perfectly with the Southwest vibe.
Paprika: Rounds out the spices and adds a gentle warmth—smoked or sweet works here.
Salt: Just enough to bring every flavor sharply to life.

How to Make Southwest Flavored Chicken Salad

Step 1: Mix Up the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), fresh lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and salt. Give it a minute or two to blend until everything is smooth and enticing—this is where the flavor magic really happens! The dressing should be creamy but pourable, with a vibrant reddish hue and a punchy aroma that makes you want to dip right in.

Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients

Pour your shredded chicken, black beans, corn, jalapeños, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pepitas into a large bowl. I always recommend a roomy bowl so you have plenty of space to toss. This combination is literally a fiesta of color, and you’ll instantly see why this dish stands out on any table!

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and veggies. With a sturdy spoon or spatula, toss it all until every piece is enrobed in that dreamy, zesty sauce. Make sure the pepitas are evenly distributed for the perfect crunch in every scoop. At this stage, go ahead and taste for seasoning—add a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lime if you like.

Step 4: Serve or Chill

This Southwest Flavored Chicken Salad is best served slightly chilled. You can enjoy it right away for instant flavor gratification, or let the salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes so all those fabulous flavors mingle even more. Either way, get ready for a seriously fresh and filling experience.

How to Serve Southwest Flavored Chicken Salad

Garnishes

When it’s time to serve, think colorful and flavorful! Top your Southwest Flavored Chicken Salad with a sprinkle of extra pepitas, a few fresh cilantro leaves, or even an extra squeeze of lime. A dusting of crumbled cotija or feta works wonders if you’re feeling a bit cheesy, and some thin slices of avocado never hurt, either.

Side Dishes

On its own, the salad is totally satisfying, but you can amp up your meal by serving it alongside thick multigrain tortilla chips, warm flour tortillas, or a bright side of fresh fruit. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad on the side is perfect, or try adding a scoop to a baked sweet potato to keep things hearty yet healthy.

Creative Ways to Present

Get a little whimsical with how you present this Southwest Flavored Chicken Salad! Pile it high inside halved avocados or bell peppers for a stunning lunch, load it into mason jars for easy grab-and-go meals, or set up a DIY salad bar with an array of toppings like shredded cheese, hot sauce, and extra veggies. It’s absolutely crowd-friendly and easily customizable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of my favorite things about this salad is how well it stores! Pop leftovers in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. The flavors get even deeper as the days go by, so you might find it’s even tastier the next day.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Southwest Flavored Chicken Salad—it tends to change the texture of the veggies and dressing, making it less crisp and creamy. If you’re planning ahead, prep all the salad ingredients and freeze just the chicken; assemble fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s really no need for reheating. If you’d like a warm element, try serving the salad on a freshly toasted tortilla or over warm rice, but keep the salad itself chilled for the ultimate refreshing bite.

FAQs

Can I make this Southwest Flavored Chicken Salad dairy-free?

Absolutely! Using a dairy-free mayo or coconut yogurt keeps the dressing creamy and delicious without any dairy. All the other ingredients are naturally dairy-free as well, so this salad is easy to adapt.

How spicy is the finished salad?

It’s just the right amount of zippy—but definitely not fiery unless you want it that way. If you’re sensitive to heat, stick with one jalapeño and make sure to remove all the seeds and membranes. Love a kick? Simply leave in some seeds or add a pinch of cayenne to the dressing.

What can I use instead of chicken?

No chicken? No problem! Shredded rotisserie turkey, cooked tofu, or even roasted cauliflower florets can step in nicely and stay true to the southwest spirit.

How do I shred chicken quickly?

The fastest way is to use two forks while the chicken is still warm, or break out a hand mixer (game changer!) to shred cooked breasts in seconds. You can also dice if you prefer more bite-sized pieces.

Can I prep the dressing ahead of time?

Definitely. Whip up the southwestern dressing in advance and store it in a sealed jar in your fridge for up to five days. Give it a good shake before using and it’ll be ready to toss with your ingredients at a moment’s notice.

Final Thoughts

If you love meals that deliver big flavor and big color with barely any fuss, you’ll be so glad you tried Southwest Flavored Chicken Salad. It’s endlessly adaptable, ridiculously delicious, and honestly just plain fun to eat. I can’t wait for it to become a favorite in your kitchen too!

Southwest Flavored Chicken Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 22 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious Southwest flavored chicken salad with a creamy dressing, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Dressing: Add all of the ingredients for the dressing into a medium bowl. Mix until combined.
Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, jalapeños, tomatoes, red onion, and pepitas.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and stir to combine.
Serve the Southwest flavored chicken salad on its own, in a sandwich, or over lettuce. Enjoy!

Notes

Great for Meal Prep – Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Find out 4 easy ways to shred chicken that can be used in this recipe and other chicken salad recipes.
Nutrition information is estimated and should only be used as an approximation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Southwest