Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad is more than just a meal—it’s a colorful celebration of flavor and freshness. With every bite, you’ll enjoy juicy shreds of chicken paired with sweet corn, hearty black beans, fresh tomatoes, and a creamy, taco-seasoned dressing that brings it all together. A splash of lime adds the perfect zing, making this salad both refreshing and deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re prepping a light family dinner, packing lunch for the week, or hosting a casual gathering, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s a wholesome, protein-packed meal that feels indulgent while still being incredibly simple to make.
Why You’ll Love It
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes with simple, everyday ingredients.
Flavorful and Fresh: Every component adds texture and taste—from the creamy dressing to the crisp veggies.
Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well in the fridge and gets even better as the flavors mingle.
Customizable: Add avocado, shredded cheese, or crushed tortilla chips for your perfect version.
Time Needed
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro. Mix until well combined.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, taco seasoning, and lime juice until smooth and creamy.
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir everything together until evenly coated and creamy.
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to eat.
Notes
To keep this recipe gluten-free, choose certified gluten-free taco seasoning and mayonnaise. Some seasoning blends may contain hidden gluten in the form of additives, so always check the label. Making mindful ingredient swaps ensures this dish stays both delicious and gluten-safe.
Final Thoughts
Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad brings together bold flavors, creamy textures, and vibrant colors in one incredibly easy recipe. It’s a go-to for warm weather lunches, quick dinners, or even a fun potluck dish. With just one bowl and a few pantry staples, you’ll have a meal that feels exciting and nourishing all at once.
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Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad is more than just a meal—it’s a colorful celebration of flavor and freshness. With every bite, you’ll enjoy juicy shreds of chicken paired with sweet corn, hearty black beans, fresh tomatoes, and a creamy, taco-seasoned dressing that brings it all together.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro. Mix until well combined.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, taco seasoning, and lime juice until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir everything together until evenly coated and creamy.
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to eat.
Notes
To keep this recipe gluten-free, choose certified gluten-free taco seasoning and mayonnaise. Some seasoning blends may contain hidden gluten in the form of additives, so always check the label.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Southwest
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken salad, southwest, taco, no cook, meal prep, summer salad