Dinner

Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe

Name: Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 1 lb cooked chicken (shredded); 1 can (15.5 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15.25 oz) corn, drained; 1 fresh jalapeño (deseeded, finely chopped); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (cut into quarters); 1 small red onion (finely chopped); ¼ cup pumpkin seeds; ¾ cup Greek yogurt; 2 fresh limes (juiced); 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp paprika; ¼ tsp salt

ByNoah Steele July 29, 2025July 29, 2025

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a bowl full of bold flavors and colorful crunch, Southwest Chicken Salad is about to become your go-to recipe. This vibrant medley of shredded chicken, crisp veggies, hearty beans, and a creamy, zesty dressing packs a punch in every forkful. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a packable lunch, or a dish to impress at potlucks, you’ll fall in love with how simple and satisfying this salad is. Best of all, each bite brings a little taste of the Southwest — you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the simple but powerhouse ingredients that make Southwest Chicken Salad a true flavor fiesta. Every single element plays its part, delivering incredible crunch, color, or richness. Stock up on these and you’re halfway to an unbeatable meal!

Cooked chicken (shredded): Using cooked, shredded chicken gives the salad body and soaks up every bit of that delicious dressing.
Black beans (canned, drained and rinsed): Earthy black beans offer protein, heartiness, and their classic Southwest flavor.
Corn (canned, drained): A pop of sweetness that beautifully balances all the spice and tang.
Fresh jalapeño (deseeded, finely chopped): Add as much or as little as you love for a custom kick of heat.
Cherry tomatoes (quartered): Juicy, fresh, and bursting with color—these brighten up every bite.
Small red onion (finely chopped): For just the right amount of zippy crunch and vibrant color.
Pumpkin seeds: The perfect nutty crunch that gives your Southwest Chicken Salad a satisfying bite.
Greek yogurt: Makes for a super creamy, protein-packed dressing that keeps things light.
Limes (juiced): Nothing beats fresh lime juice for that signature zing!
Chili powder: The smoky, slightly spicy kick that defines all things Southwest.
Garlic powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Cumin: Warm and earthy, cumin layers in gorgeous undertones.
Paprika: Sweet and smoky, this spice helps round out the Southwest vibe.
Salt: Just a pinch brings everything together in perfect harmony.

How to Make Southwest Chicken Salad

Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing

First, grab a medium bowl and combine the Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and the pinch of salt. Give it a really good whisk until smooth and creamy. The dressing should taste tangy, smoky, and irresistibly flavorful — this is what sets the stage for the whole salad.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, black beans, drained corn, finely chopped jalapeño, quartered cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pumpkin seeds. Layering everything in a big bowl makes it easy to get an even mix of all that crunchy, juicy goodness in every serving.

Step 3: Add the Dressing

Pour the bold, creamy dressing over your chicken and veggie mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently mix everything together until all the pockets of chicken and veggies are coated in that beautiful Southwest sauce. Don’t be shy — toss until there are no dry spots!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Your Southwest Chicken Salad is now ready to eat! You can serve it immediately for ultimate freshness, or chill it for a while to let the flavors mingle even more. Every bite will have you hooked from the very first forkful.

How to Serve Southwest Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Top your Southwest Chicken Salad with a handful of extra pumpkin seeds, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, or a few thin slices of fresh jalapeño for an eye-catching finish. If you love a touch of dairy, crumble on some queso fresco or a dusting of sharp cheddar for extra richness and color.

Side Dishes

This hearty salad pairs beautifully with a basket of warm tortilla chips, a cup of southwestern corn chowder, or a simple avocado-lime rice. If you’re feeding a crowd, consider a fruit salad or grilled veggie platter for a colorful, refreshing accompaniment that lets the main dish shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving Southwest Chicken Salad in lettuce cups or on top of a bed of mixed greens adds a lovely touch for parties and potlucks. For grab-and-go lunches, pack it in sturdy mason jars, layering heavier ingredients at the bottom and greens or garnishes up top. It’s also delicious spooned into halved bell peppers or rolled into tortillas for wraps.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your Southwest Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, and actually gets even more flavorful as the dressing soaks into the ingredients.

Freezing

It’s best not to freeze Southwest Chicken Salad, as the creamy Greek yogurt dressing and fresh vegetables can become watery and lose their texture when thawed. For make-ahead meal prepping, freeze just the shredded chicken and add fresh ingredients when you’re ready to assemble.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you do prefer a warm version, gently heat the chicken and beans before adding them to the salad. Just make sure to let them cool a bit before mixing in the yogurt-based dressing.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in Southwest Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe. Just shred it up and add it in — the smoky flavor is a delicious match for the Southwest spices.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

You can swap Greek yogurt with sour cream for a tangier, richer dressing, or use a plant-based yogurt to keep things dairy-free and light.

How spicy is the salad with jalapeño?

If you remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño, the salad will be just mildly spicy. Want more heat? Add another pepper or leave the seeds in for an extra kick!

Can I make Southwest Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Definitely — just keep the dressing separate and mix everything together right before serving to maintain all the fresh textures.

What protein can I use instead of chicken?

Try shredded turkey, canned or grilled tuna, or even jackfruit or tofu for a vegetarian spin that’s still hearty and packed with Southwest flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a quick, wholesome meal with big personality, Southwest Chicken Salad is calling your name. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular star in your recipe line-up — there’s just no resisting all those flavors and colors! Give it a try and let your taste buds take a little trip to the Southwest tonight.

Noah Steele

Southwest Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need