Description
Creamy, zesty Southwestern Chicken Salad made with Greek yogurt (no mayo!), black beans, corn, bell pepper, lime, and smoky spices—perfect for meal prep, wraps, or scooping with chips.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt, to season water + to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 3/4 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt (or skyr)
- 1 large lime, juiced (about 2–3 Tbsp)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/8–1/4 tsp cayenne (optional, to taste)
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper (about 1 medium pepper)
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup corn (fire-roasted thawed, canned drained, or grilled)
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion (or shallot)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the chicken: Add chicken to a medium pot. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Cover with at least 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 15–20 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Shred: Transfer chicken to a bowl and shred with two forks (or use a stand mixer for a faster shred).
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Mix: Add shredded chicken, bell pepper, black beans, corn, red onion, and cilantro. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, lime, or cayenne.
- Chill: Refrigerate at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld. Serve with tortilla chips, in a wrap, or on toast.
Notes
- Fast shortcuts: Use rotisserie chicken or canned chicken (drain well).
- Milder onion tip: Rinse diced red onion under cold water and pat dry before mixing.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Serving ideas: Tortilla chips, lettuce cups, tortillas, rice cakes, or whole wheat toast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling + Mixing
- Cuisine: Southwestern / Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1/2 cup
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg