Can Greek yogurt replace mayonnaise?

Absolutely. Greek yogurt creates a lighter dressing with extra protein and a slightly tangy flavor. Both options work beautifully.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, Quick Southwest Chicken Salad keeps for about 4–5 days in the refrigerator. This makes it perfect for weekly meal prep.

Can other vegetables be added?

Yes! Diced bell peppers, avocado, or chopped cilantro all pair nicely with the Southwest flavors.

What’s the easiest way to shred chicken?

A few simple methods work well: Use two forks to pull apart cooked chicken Toss warm chicken into a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for quick shredding Use rotisserie chicken and shred it by hand Each method takes just a couple of minutes.

Is this recipe spicy?

The jalapeños add a gentle kick, but the spice level is easy to control. Removing the seeds keeps the heat mild.

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad – Irresistible 10-Minute Meal

Description

Quick Southwest Chicken Salad is a fresh, protein-packed dish made with shredded chicken, black beans, sweet corn, jalapeños, and cherry tomatoes tossed in a creamy lime-spiced dressing. This easy 10-minute recipe is perfect for lunch, meal prep, sandwiches, wraps, or serving over crisp lettuce for a flavorful Southwest-inspired salad.

Ingredients

Salad

1 lb cooked shredded chicken (about 2–3 chicken 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

Dressing

¾ cup mayonnaise 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

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Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and salt. Mix until smooth and well blended.
In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, chopped jalapeños, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pepitas or sunflower seeds.
Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture.
Stir everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the creamy Southwest dressing.
Serve immediately on its own, in sandwiches, wraps, or over a bed of fresh lettuce.

Notes

This salad is excellent for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.

Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.

Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños.

Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a lighter dressing option.

Great served in sandwiches, tortillas, lettuce wraps, or over greens.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Lunch, Main Course
Method: No-Cook / Mixing
Cuisine: American, Southwest

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 295 kcal
Sugar: 3.1 g
Sodium: 240 mg
Fat: 14.5 g
Saturated Fat: 2.2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 29 g
Cholesterol: 49 mg