What’s a week over here without a chicken salad recipe, right?! This easy Southwestern Chicken Salad is my go-to throughout the week because it’s easy to throw together, makes a bunch for meal prep, and it super easy to switch up and customise so you don’t get sick of it. I love all the Southwestern flavors so I decided to throw them together to make this Southwestern Chopped Chicken Salad. If you love them as much as I do, then you’ll love this!!
With busy schedules, having meals like this prepped and ready has been a life saver for me. On days that I don’t have a simple meal to grab for, it’s easy to get caught up snacking all day, which can be unhealthy, & never leaves you feeling satisfied. Spending a little time at the beginning of the week or at the weekend preparing simple things like this delicious chopped salad (or one of the other make-ahead salads I’ve linked to below) will be a game changer during the busy weeks!
With lots of veg, juicy chicken, & a creamy yogurt dressing this simple Southwestern Chicken Chopped Salad really packs a punch with both taco seasoning (homemade or pre-mixed) & your favorite brand of salsa verde to bring all those amazing Southwestern flavors.
If you haven’t checked out my roundup of “salads” to prep for the week, be sure to check out all of the different options I have on One Balanced Life. These are great to choose from based off what you’re feeling!
Prep this Southwestern Chicken Salad and pair it with a lot of different options for the week:
- In a pita!
- In a wrap
- On top of greens
- With crackers
- In a sandwich
What you need to make Southwestern Chicken Salad:
I use chicken breasts, taco seasoning, shredded carrots, canned back beans, canned corn, cilantro, natural yogurt (I like Siggi’s Plain Yogurt), red bell pepper, romain lettuce, salsa verde, avocado oil, red pepper flakes, and cherry tomatoes. I also like to top the salad with crushed tortilla chips for a delicious topping if you’re eating this the day of! You can also prep a pot of crushed tortilla chips to sprinkle over the salad just before you eat if you’re making it ahead.
Can I make this salad dairy free?
Yes! You can easily trade out the yogurt for a light mayo. I love using this one.
Can I make my own taco seasoning?
Yes! This is the recipe I like to prep and keep on hand:
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
But, if you’d rather save time and use a pre-made one I like using this one from Primal Palate.
If you love this recipe, you may also enjoy these recipes on One Balanced Life:
- Easy Chipotle Tuna Salad
- Harvest Cobb Salad
- Brussels Sprout and Quinoa Salad
- Orzo Salad with Mozzarella and Tomatoes
- Cantaloupe Cucumber Salad
- Healthy White Chicken Chili
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Southwestern Chicken Salad
Southwestern flavors are all mixed into a delicious Southwestern Chicken Salad! This easy chopped salad is a healthy recipe perfect for meal prep! Enjoy this chicken salad in wraps or sandwiches, with crackers or over salad greens.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups chicken breast, cubed
- 5 1/2 tsp taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup canned black beans
- 1/2 cup canned corn
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/3 cup thick plain yogurt
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tbsp salsa verde
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tbsp cilantro, plus more for garnish
- red pepper flakes, to taste
- crushed tortilla chips (optional, only if eating day of!)
Instructions
1. Coat the raw chicken with 5 tsp of the taco seasoning.
2. Add 1 tbsp of avocado oil to the pan and place chicken on to sauté. Once completely cooked through, remove from the pan.
3. Combine all ingredients into a large bowl: cooked chicken, carrots, black beans, corn, bell pepper, romaine, tomato, plain yogurt and salsa verde. Mix together.
4. Add additional salt to taste, the remaining 1/2 tsp of taco seasoning, cilantro, and mix.
5. Top with tortilla chips (if enjoying day of!), cilantro, and red pepper flakes to taste.
6. Enjoy!
Notes
Any thick plain or Greek-style yogurt would work here, and you can sub in mayo for a dairy free option!
until next time...
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