Dinner

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe

Name: Quick Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Southwest
Ingredients: 3/4 cup mayo or greek yogurt (dairy free or regular); 1/4 cup fresh lime juice; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1/4 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp salt; 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; 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered; 1/2 cup red onion, chopped; 1/4 cup pepitas or sunflower seeds

ByZoe Lane August 8, 2025August 8, 2025

Jump to Recipe

If you crave a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that’s ready in a flash, you’ll fall instantly for this Quick Southwest Chicken Salad. Bursting with juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and a creamy, bold dressing that ties every bite together, this dish is a celebration of everything fresh and zesty. Whether you’re in need of a fuss-free lunch, a hearty dinner, or a reliable potluck hit, this salad delivers every single time. And the best part? It all comes together in one big bowl, making cleanup as quick as the prep!

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in this Quick Southwest Chicken Salad recipe has a special job to do: from creamy dressing to fresh, crunchy veggies and protein-rich beans. Together, they make a salad that’s as exciting to look at as it is to eat!

Cooked shredded chicken: The heart of the salad, it soaks up all the flavors while providing satisfying protein.
Black beans: Creamy and earthy, these are packed with fiber and give the salad a true Southwest twist.
Corn: Sweet pops of sunshine in every bite, they bring color and a hint of crunch.
Fresh jalapeños: Seed and chop these for just the right amount of heat; adjust to your spice preference.
Cherry tomatoes: Their juiciness and acidity make the salad bright and refreshing.
Red onion: Adds sharpness and a lovely purple hue—soaking them in cold water will mellow the bite if you prefer.
Pepitas (or sunflower seeds): Nutty, toasty crunch that takes this salad to the next level (and they’re fun, too!).
Mayo or Greek yogurt: The creamy element—either will work! Use Greek yogurt for extra tang (and to lighten things up).
Fresh lime juice: Bright, citrusy zing that lifts all the other flavors.
Chili powder: Deep, smoky warmth without overpowering the salad.
Garlic powder: Delivers all the savory notes we crave, quickly and easily.
Cumin: For earthy, iconic Southwest flavor.
Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness (try smoked paprika for extra depth!).
Salt: Brings it all together—taste and adjust to your liking.

How to Make Quick Southwest Chicken Salad

Step 1: Mix the Creamy Southwest Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayo (or Greek yogurt), fresh lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and salt. You’re looking for a smooth, slightly tangy, and deeply flavorful sauce that will coat every salad ingredient luxuriously. Taste as you go—you can always add a touch more lime or a pinch more spice to suit your mood!

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, add your shredded chicken, rinsed black beans, drained corn, chopped jalapeños, quartered cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and pepitas. Each ingredient brings unique texture and flavor, so make sure to scatter them evenly for the perfect blend in every forkful.

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Pour the dressing over the salad base and use big, gentle scoops to combine everything thoroughly. Every piece deserves a little love from that zesty, creamy dressing, so mix until well-coated but avoid mashing the veggies. Now, pause for a second—doesn’t it look irresistible?

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

This Quick Southwest Chicken Salad is ready to shine! Plate it up however you like: on its own for a vibrant and filling entrée, tucked into your favorite sandwich, or piled on top of crisp lettuce for a wholesome, low-carb option. Each serving is bursting with color, texture, and Southwest spirit.

How to Serve Quick Southwest Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Take this salad from great to unforgettable with a few bright garnishes. A flurry of extra pepitas, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, thinly sliced radishes, or even a few avocado slices make it pop both visually and flavor-wise. Don’t forget a wedge of lime for squeezing—because you can never have too much zing!

Side Dishes

Pair your Quick Southwest Chicken Salad with tortilla chips for dipping, a bowl of warm black bean soup on the side, or toasted corn tortillas for scooping up all that goodness. Even a simple fruit salad makes a wonderful, palate-cleansing contrast to the bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this salad in crispy tortilla bowls at your next gathering, or spoon it into lettuce cups for a fresh and light appetizer. It’s also fantastic as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or rolled up in wraps for an on-the-go lunch that travels beautifully. The possibilities are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Quick Southwest Chicken Salad in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It keeps wonderfully for up to three days—the flavors actually meld and deepen, making it even better the next day!

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for this salad, as the textures of the veggies and creamy dressing may change once thawed. For best results, enjoy your Quick Southwest Chicken Salad fresh, or just prep the components ahead and mix before serving.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be eaten cold or at room temperature. If you’re craving a warm twist, you can briefly microwave individual portions, but know that the creamy dressing may loosen a bit. Most fans love it straight from the fridge—it’s perfect for speedy meals!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of homemade shredded chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient, flavorful swap. Just shred, remove any skin or bones, and proceed with the recipe as written for just-as-tasty results.

Can I make Quick Southwest Chicken Salad dairy-free?

Yes! Simply use a dairy-free mayo or yogurt for the dressing and you’ll still get all the bold, creamy goodness without any dairy.

Is this salad spicy?

That’s totally up to you. The chopped fresh jalapeños add manageable heat, but you can leave them out, use only mild peppers, or remove all the seeds to make it as mild as you like.

How can I make this salad vegetarian?

It’s easy! Swap the shredded chicken for canned chickpeas, extra black beans, or even cubes of firm tofu. The dressing and seasonings remain the same for big flavor.

Can I meal prep Quick Southwest Chicken Salad for lunches?

Definitely! Portion the salad into airtight containers with lettuce or tortillas on the side. It holds up really well and is perfect for quick grab-and-go lunches during the busy workweek.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s as effortless as it is exciting, you absolutely must give Quick Southwest Chicken Salad a try. Every bite bursts with bold Southwest flavors and irresistible textures—you’re going to love having this vibrant dish in your weekly rotation. Enjoy sharing it with friends, family, or just as a treat for yourself!

Zoe Lane

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Quick Southwest Chicken Salad