Best 5 Simple Southwestern Chicken Salad Recipes
Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with this tantalizing Southwestern chicken salad. This delectable dish combines the bold and zesty spices of the region with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing, resulting in a delightful symphony of textures and flavors.
From the classic Southwestern chicken salad to its variations, this article offers a diverse collection of recipes that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you're a fan of traditional mayonnaise-based dressings or prefer lighter options such as Greek yogurt, you'll find a recipe here that suits your palate.
For those seeking a traditional Southwestern chicken salad experience, the classic recipe features a creamy mayonnaise dressing infused with a blend of spices, including chili powder, cumin, and paprika. This dressing perfectly complements the succulent chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, and sweet corn.
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, the Greek yogurt-based dressing offers a lighter yet equally flavorful option. This tangy dressing combines Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, and spices, creating a refreshing and guilt-free accompaniment to the salad.
For those with a penchant for bold flavors, the spicy Southwestern chicken salad cranks up the heat with a zesty dressing made with cayenne pepper and chipotle peppers. This fiery dressing is sure to ignite your taste buds and leave you craving more.
And for those who prefer a vegetarian option, the black bean and corn salad provides a protein-packed alternative. This colorful salad combines black beans, corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, and a zesty dressing, resulting in a satisfying and nutritious meal.
No matter your preference, the Southwestern chicken salad recipes in this article offer a delightful exploration of flavors and textures, making them perfect for a refreshing lunch, a light dinner, or a flavorful side dish.
SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SALAD
Tender and juicy chicken breast served over a variety of fresh vegetables, and tossed with a simple garlic lemon marinade, it is easy to make and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Provided by Rena
Categories Main Course Salad
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Place the chicken in a shallow dish and add 1 tbsp of the oil, lime juice plus zest, garlic, and seasonings. Rub the chicken well, then cover the dish and allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes over the counter. If time allows, you can marinate in the fridge overnight.
- Meanwhile, combine all dressing ingredients into a small bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and add the other 1 tbsp of oil. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Allow the chicken to slightly cool, then slice it.
- While the chicken cools, add all the salad ingredients to a bowl.
- Top with juicy chicken and drizzle the dressing over.
- Toss to combine then serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 571 kcal, Carbohydrate 42 g, Protein 34 g, Fat 32 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 72 mg, Sodium 1028 mg, Fiber 13 g, Sugar 7 g, ServingSize 1 serving
SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN SALAD
In North Richland Hills, Texas, Virginia Stencel mixes chicken, beans and corn with fresh jicama for a fun change of pace. The medley's coated in a flavorful barbecue-ranch dressing with crunchy tortilla strips on top.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 30m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Place tortilla strips on a baking sheet; spritz both sides of strips with butter-flavored cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 4-5 minutes or until crisp. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, cook chicken in oil over medium heat until no longer pink; set aside. , Combine the salad greens, corn, beans, 1 cup tomatoes, green pepper, jicama and onions; arrange on a serving platter. Place chicken in center of salad; sprinkle with cheese and remaining tomatoes. Arrange tortilla strips around chicken. , In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing and barbecue sauce; serve with salad.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 331 calories, Fat 7g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 49mg cholesterol, Sodium 865mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN SALAD
A wonderful blend of spices, herbs, and a bit of a "bite" from the jalapeno combine so well with the chicken and corn in this salad. One of my favorites! If you can't get fresh corn, you may substitute frozen corn.
Provided by LINDA W.
Categories Salad
Time 45m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Fill a large skillet with 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water. Add lemon slices, bay leaf, peppercorns and 2/3 of the thyme, and bring to boiling over high heat. Add chicken, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-18 minutes, turning chicken once, until juices run clear and chicken is no longer pink. Remove chicken from liquid and set aside to cool.
- In a small skillet, stir together the paprika and remaining thyme over medium-low heat for 2 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together the toasted paprika mixture, mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, ground pepper and nutmeg until evenly blended.
- Cube cooled chicken and transfer to a medium bowl. Add prepared dressing, corn, cilantro, orange pepper and jalapeno and toss until evenly coated. Serve warm, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 229.8 calories, Carbohydrate 19 g, Cholesterol 47.5 mg, Fat 11.2 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 16.9 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 505.9 mg, Sugar 3.6 g
SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SALAD
My husband loves salads, and this flavorful chicken recipe is easy, nutritious and very tasty. Serve it over greens, tucked in a pita or rolled up in a tortilla. -Sara Hobbs, West Tawakoni, Texas
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 30m
Yield 6 cups.
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients; pour over chicken mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving. Serve as desired., Salads: Top salad greens with chicken salad; sprinkle with almonds., Pitas: Line pita halves with lettuce leaves; fill with chicken salad., Wraps: Place chicken salad off-center on tortillas; top with avocado. Roll up.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 166 calories, Fat 7g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 42mg cholesterol, Sodium 316mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
SOUTHWEST CORN AND CHICKEN SALAD
Whether you make our easy southwest chicken salad with corn for a potluck or tuck it into lunch boxes on weekdays, this tasty salad is fast, fresh, flavorful and delicious! We're serious about how quick this dish is-thanks to ingredients like frozen corn and Betty Crocker™ Southwest Style Corn Suddenly Deli Salad Starter Kit, it comes together in just 15 minutes! We'd say that makes it a must-try.
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Lunch
Time 15m
Yield 7
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In medium bowl, combine vegetable blend (from kit) and 1/2 cup boiling water. Let stand 5 minutes; drain.
- Cook frozen corn according to package directions; drain if necessary.
- In large bowl, stir together sour cream, 1/4 cup water and the dressing mix (from kit); stir in chicken and jalapeño chile.
- Stir in corn, vegetable blend and cheese. Serve immediately, or refrigerate.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 190, Carbohydrate 19 g, Cholesterol 35 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 2 g, Protein 10 g, SaturatedFat 3 1/2 g, ServingSize About 1/2 Cup, Sodium 340 mg, Sugar 4 g, TransFat 0 g
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients will give your chicken salad the best flavor. If possible, use organic chicken and fresh vegetables.
- Cook the chicken properly: Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that it is safe to eat and that it has a tender texture.
- Shred the chicken into small pieces: This will make it easier to mix with the other ingredients and will help to prevent the salad from becoming too dry.
- Use a variety of vegetables: This will add flavor, color, and texture to your salad. Some good options include corn, black beans, bell peppers, and onions.
- Use a light dressing: A light dressing will help to keep the salad healthy and flavorful. A good option is a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and spices.
- Serve the salad immediately: Chicken salad is best when it is served immediately after it is made. This will prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy and the dressing from becoming watery.
Conclusion:
Southwestern chicken salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken. With its zesty flavors and fresh ingredients, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love
