Best 7 Southwest Chicken Salad I Recipes

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Southwest chicken salad is a delightful dish that combines the zesty flavors of the American Southwest with the freshness of a salad. With its blend of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing, it's a perfect meal for lunch or dinner. Whether you're looking for a light and healthy option or a flavorful and satisfying salad, southwest chicken salad is sure to hit the spot. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps of creating the ultimate southwest chicken salad, providing tips and tricks to make sure your salad is packed with flavor and nutrition.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN SALAD



Southwestern Chicken Salad image

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

2 flour tortillas (6 inches), cut into 1/2-inch strips
Butter-flavored cooking spray
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoon olive oil
6 cups ready-to-serve salad greens
1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups chopped tomatoes, divided
1 medium green pepper, diced
1/2 cup cubed peeled jicama or sliced water chestnuts
1/3 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
2/3 cup fat-free ranch salad dressing
4 teaspoons barbecue sauce

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



Southwestern Chicken Salad image

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

1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
¾ teaspoon dried thyme, divided
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
¾ teaspoon paprika
⅓ cup light mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 ½ cups fresh corn, cooked and cut from the cob
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
¾ cup diced orange bell pepper
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

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

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN SALAD



Southwestern Chicken Salad image

We like to have this for dinner during the summer - a tasty light meal that doesn't heat up the kitchen. You could serve tortilla chips on the side, if you want.

Provided by dianegrapegrower

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 20m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fajita seasoning mix or 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
4 1/2 cups lettuce, assorted, torn
2 tomatoes, cut in wedges
1/2 cucumber, peeled and slices
4 green onions, chopped
1 avocado, diced
1 cup corn, thawed
1 cup black beans
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
cilantro salad dressing (purchased or use recipe 30146 "Cilantro Dressing for Salads" by Bergy)

Steps:

  • Rub chicken with olive oil and fajita seasoning. Grill over lot heat until done. Set aside and keep warm.
  • While the chicken is grilling, prepare and combine the remaining salad ingredients, except the dressing.
  • Slice chicken 1/4" thick, against the grain, and add to salad. Toss with dressing to taste.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 331.5, Fat 14.1, SaturatedFat 2.2, Cholesterol 56.6, Sodium 125.1, Carbohydrate 28.4, Fiber 9.9, Sugar 4.9, Protein 26.5

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SALAD



Southwest Chicken Salad image

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

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
1 lime (juiced, and zested)
1/4 cup cilantro leaves (chopped)
3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
4 cups packed romaine lettuce or 1 large head (chopped)
2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
8 oz black beans (one can, rinsed and drained)
8 oz corn (one can, rinsed and drained)
1 red onion (thinly sliced)
1 large avocado (chopped)
1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 lime (juiced and zest)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
kosher salt and ground black pepper (to taste)

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

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SALAD



Southwest Chicken Salad image

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

4 cups cubed rotisserie chicken
2 cups frozen corn, thawed
1 cup chopped roasted sweet red peppers
1 cup chopped red or sweet onion
1 cup minced fresh cilantro
DRESSING:
3 tablespoons lime juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
SALADS:
Torn mixed salad greens and sliced almonds
PITAS:
Whole wheat pita pocket halves and lettuce leaves
WRAPS:
Whole wheat tortillas and sliced ripe avocado

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 CHICKEN SALAD



Southwest Chicken Salad image

Use a rotisserie chicken to throw together this Southwest Chicken Salad full of vegetables in a matter of minutes. Perfect for a hot summer day when you are craving something fresh.

Categories     Appetizer     Dinner

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup plain Greek Yogurt
1 Tablespoon taco seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1 bunch green onions (diced)
1 (15 ounce) can corn (drained)
1 (15 ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 (11 ounce) bag multigrain tortilla chips

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder and cumin together.
  • In a separate bowl, combine chicken, tomatoes, pepper, onions, corn, and black beans.
  • Add salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Add wet mixture and mix until well combined.
  • Refrigerate for at least an hour and serve cold.
  • Serve with tortilla chips.

Nutrition Facts : Servingsize 1 serving, Calories 5462 kcal, Fat 45 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Sodium 13013 mg, Carbohydrate 1031 g, Sugar 210 g, Protein 304 mg

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN LAYERED SALAD



Southwestern Chicken Layered Salad image

Dinner just got easier! Layer a deliciously fun meal in just 15 minutes.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 15m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 cups torn romaine lettuce
2 cups shredded deli rotisserie chicken (from 2- to 2 1/2-lb chicken)
1 can (11 oz) Southwestern style corn, drained, liquid reserved
2 tablespoons Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix (from 1-oz package)
1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (2 oz)
1/2 cup ranch or French dressing
1 cup corn chips (1 1/2 oz)
Old El Paso™ salsa, if desired

Steps:

  • Arrange lettuce on large platter. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, place chicken and reserved liquid from corn. Sprinkle with taco seasoning mix. Cook over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until blended and thoroughly heated.
  • Arrange chicken mixture over lettuce. Sprinkle with cheese and corn. Drizzle with dressing; top with corn chips. Garnish with salsa.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 440, Carbohydrate 29 g, Cholesterol 90 mg, Fat 3, Fiber 3 g, Protein 26 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 930 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips:

  • Choose the right chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the salad. You can grill, roast, or poach the chicken, but make sure it's cooked through before shredding it.
  • Use fresh, flavorful ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the salad will taste. Use ripe tomatoes, crisp celery, and sweet corn. If you can, use fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra flavor.
  • Don't skimp on the dressing: The dressing is what brings all the flavors of the salad together. Use a flavorful dressing that you enjoy, such as a creamy ranch dressing, a tangy vinaigrette, or a spicy Southwestern dressing.
  • Serve the salad chilled: Southwest chicken salad is best served chilled. This helps the flavors to meld and makes the salad more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Southwest chicken salad is a delicious and easy-to-make salad that's perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It's packed with flavor and nutrients, and it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try.

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