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Bursting with color, this lively Southwest chicken blend turns any day into something special. Imagine juicy tomatoes, shredded chicken, crunchy onions, tender black beans, and sweet corn all coming together. A creamy lime and taco-spiced sauce wraps everything up in flavor. Whip it up for easy meals any time, or bring it out for a fun lunch—it’s a surefire way to make good eats feel extra cheerful and filling.
I brought a huge bowl to a summer outing and it vanished so fast. Now everyone at home wants it for every get-together.
Vibrant Ingredients
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: Brightens up the mix and gives that classic Southwest vibe. Go for bright, green leaves—they taste best.
- Onion, finely diced: Crunchy and sharp. Any type works, but chop it small to keep the flavors balanced.
- Tomatoes, diced: Juicy and a little tangy. Roma or cherry tomatoes make the salad sing.
- Black beans: Adds creaminess and packs in fiber. Canned is great—just rinse them off first.
- Cooked chicken, shredded: Brings you that protein punch. Rotisserie chicken makes things super quick.
- Corn: A little sweet crunch goes a long way. Frozen or fresh is best; rinse canned if that’s what you’ve got.
- Mayonnaise: Makes everything creamy. Got a favorite full-fat brand? Use that for serious richness.
- Lime juice: Lifts everything with bright, tangy flavor. Squeeze the real thing for the best results.
- Taco seasoning: Adds a punchy, spicy kick. Gluten-free blends are out there, just check the package.
- Salt and pepper: The finishing touch. Toss them in just before serving to keep veggies fresh.
Easy How-To Steps
- Serve or Chill:
- You can lay it out right away for that fresh crunch or cover and stick it in the fridge for half an hour if you want the flavors to mix. Leftover salad holds up well for lunches for days.
- Taste and Season:
- Take a bite. Sprinkle in salt and pepper, a pinch at a time, till it tastes just right. Now’s also the time to squeeze in a little more lime if you want zippier flavor.
- Smother the Mixture with Dressing:
- Pour your finished dressing over all the salad fixings in your big bowl. Toss it all until every piece gets coated.
- Mix Up the Creamy Sauce:
- Grab a small bowl and stir together mayo, taco seasoning, and lime juice. Keep stirring until it’s totally smooth and everything’s blended in.
- Toss Together Everything Else:
- In a big bowl, toss together chicken, corn, tomatoes, cilantro, onions, and black beans. Try to get them mixed evenly so every scoop is packed with flavor.
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Cilantro keeps pulling me back to this bowl. Its bright color makes the salad pop and always brings up memories of summer market trips from when I was a kid. My kids love picking it out too, and now it’s their go-to herb.
Keep It Fresh
Pop leftovers into a sealed container and keep ‘em in the fridge up to three days. Wait until right before eating to add extra cilantro—it’ll look and taste the best. I find packing up portions ahead of time means I always have a grab-and-go lunch.
Switch-It-Up Options
Swap in Greek yogurt instead of mayo if you’re after something lighter. No cooked chicken handy? Grab canned, or use up last night’s grilled chicken. Toss in chopped cucumber or bell pepper for an extra snap.
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Fun Ways to Eat It
Scoop the salad into crunchy lettuce leaves for simple wraps or stuff it inside some pita. Try it as a topper for baked potatoes or toss it over a pile of greens. For a final hit of zing, add a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro just before you dig in.
Southwest Roots & Flavor
These flavors are inspired by the Southwest—from corn and fresh herbs to those hits of spice near the US-Mexico border. Creamy sauce, lively spices, and tangy lime come together for the kind of punchy taste I always want from food in this style.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Is rotisserie chicken okay here?
Definitely! Just shred up your rotisserie chicken and throw it in instead—it makes prep super fast and sneaks in so much flavor.
- → What's the trick to making this gluten-free?
Just double check those labels on your mayo and taco mix—lots of brands are gluten-free, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding what you need.
- → Got any tasty topping ideas?
Avocado, crunchy tortilla chips, jalapeño slices, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese all take it up a notch. Play around with what you like!
- → Can I get this ready ahead of time?
Yep! Just mix everything up except the dressing. Keep them separate in the fridge, then toss together when it’s time to eat so it stays fresh.
- → How do I make the dressing lighter?
Swap in some Greek yogurt for the mayo if you want it a little lighter. You’ll still get all that creamy, tangy flavor!