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Quick Southwestern Chicken Salad

Creamy Quick Southwestern Chicken Salad in a bowl with lime and chips
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A high-protein, flavor-packed Southwestern chicken salad made with shredded poached chicken, black beans, corn, and a creamy spiced Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for meal prep, wraps, or a quick healthy lunch.

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Water (enough to cover the chicken)

For the salad mixture:

  • 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 3/4 tsp ground cumin
  • 3/4 tsp chili powder
  • 3/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 3/4 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (fire-roasted if desired)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in a medium pot, season with kosher salt and black pepper, and add enough water to cover by at least 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

2. Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl and shred using two forks or a stand mixer until finely shredded.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using) until smooth and creamy.

4. Add the shredded chicken, black beans, diced red bell pepper, corn, red onion, and cilantro to the yogurt mixture. Stir until evenly coated.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne if needed.

6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, use fire-roasted corn.

This salad is great for meal prep and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Serve on whole wheat toast, in a wrap, over greens, or with tortilla chips.

Using a stand mixer to shred the chicken makes preparation much faster.

Find it online: https://cookingwithramsay.com/quick-southwestern-chicken-salad/