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High-Protein Southwest Chicken Salad with Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing

A vibrant bowl of southwest chicken salad topped with shredded chicken, corn, black beans, tomatoes, and creamy green dressing.
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Make this quick, high-protein Southwest Chicken Salad for a satisfying lunch or light dinner. It features grilled chicken, black beans, corn, and a zesty, creamy avocado lime dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 large ripe avocado
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups mixed greens (romaine or spring mix)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: Combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Add a tablespoon of water if the dressing is too thick.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, rinsed black beans, thawed corn, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and cilantro.
  3. Pour about half of the avocado lime dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are lightly coated. Add more dressing as needed to reach your desired level of creaminess.
  4. Divide the mixed greens among four serving bowls.
  5. Spoon the dressed chicken and vegetable mixture over the greens in each bowl.
  6. Top with optional cotija cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can grill chicken breasts ahead of time for faster assembly.
  • For a spicier dressing, add a small amount of canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the blender.
  • This salad keeps well for meal prep; store the dressing separately and combine just before eating to prevent the greens from wilting.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/southwest-chicken-salad-recipe-quick/