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- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 large red bell pepper, diced - 1 ripe avocado, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup mixed salad greens (such as romaine, arugula, and spinach) - 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced - 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped The main ingredients in this salad make it colorful and tasty. You get protein from the cooked chicken and fiber from the black beans. Sweet corn adds a nice crunch, while the red bell pepper and avocado bring in fresh flavors. Cherry tomatoes and mixed greens add even more color and nutrients. Red onion and cilantro provide that extra zing. - Juice of 1 lime - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste The dressing is bright and zesty. Lime juice gives it a fresh taste. Olive oil adds richness. Chili powder and cumin bring warmth and depth. A little salt and pepper help balance all the flavors. This dressing pulls the whole salad together. - Tortilla chips Tortilla chips are not a must, but they add a fun crunch. You can sprinkle them on top or mix them in. They make each bite exciting. This salad is great on its own, but a little crunch makes it even better. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on how to put this delicious salad together! - Combine chicken and vegetables: In a large bowl, add 2 cups of cooked chicken. Then, add 1 cup of black beans, 1 cup of sweet corn, 1 large diced red bell pepper, 1 diced avocado, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 cup of mixed salad greens. Gently mix until all ingredients blend well. - Create the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of 1 lime, 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk until smooth. - Dress the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mix. Toss the salad gently to coat every piece with the dressing. - Incorporate onion and cilantro: Before serving, sprinkle 1/2 cup of finely diced red onion and 1/3 cup of chopped cilantro on top. Mix lightly to keep the flavors fresh. - Taste and adjust seasoning: Sample the salad and add more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. Adjust it to fit your taste. - Serve with a crunch: If you like, fold in some tortilla chips for added texture. Serve the salad in bowls, making sure each dish looks colorful and inviting. - Prep time: 15 minutes - Total time: 15 minutes - Experiment with spices: You can try adding garlic powder or paprika. These spices bring a new layer of taste. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to find what you like best. - Add more vegetables: Toss in some diced cucumber or shredded carrots. These veggies not only make your salad colorful but also boost its crunch and nutrition. - Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and veggies make a big difference. They keep the salad crisp and vibrant. Always choose ripe avocados and firm tomatoes for the best results. - Adjust dressing consistency: If your dressing feels too thick, whisk in a bit of water or more lime juice. A smoother dressing coats the salad better and enhances each bite. - Make ahead options: You can prep the chicken and veggies a day in advance. Store them in separate containers. This saves time and keeps your salad fresh. - Storing leftovers: If you have extra salad, keep it in an airtight container. It lasts well for two to three days. Just add fresh dressing before serving for the best taste. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in your salad to keep things fresh. Turkey or beef can replace the chicken. Simply cook and dice them as you would the chicken. For a vegetarian option, consider using chickpeas or tofu. Both add protein and a nice texture. There are many ways to dress this salad. You can try a creamy dressing by adding Greek yogurt or sour cream. Another option is to use a ranch or cilantro-lime dressing. You can also play with seasoning. Try adding garlic powder or smoked paprika to the mix for a new flavor. Let’s talk toppings! You can add different beans, like pinto or kidney beans. They will give your salad a new taste. You can also sprinkle cheese on top. Feta or shredded cheddar work well. Nuts like almonds or walnuts can add a nice crunch too. Don't forget to check the Full Recipe for more ideas! To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, keep the dressing separate. This prevents the greens from wilting. When you're ready to eat, just mix it all together again. You can freeze the salad, but it's not ideal. Freezing changes the texture of the vegetables. If you want, freeze the chicken and beans. Use a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Make sure to remove excess air before sealing. This will help avoid freezer burn. Reheat the chicken in a microwave for the best results. Place it in a bowl and cover it. Heat it for about one to two minutes. Make sure it is warm all the way through. You can serve the salad cold after refrigeration. Just add fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro right before serving. Enjoy each bite! You can prepare this salad a day in advance. Store the salad in the fridge without the dressing. Keep the dressing separate. This stops the greens from getting soggy. When you are ready to eat, mix in the dressing and enjoy! Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. Rinse the beans well to remove extra salt. This makes them taste fresh. Canned beans are easy and quick, so they fit well in this salad. If you want a change, try using grilled shrimp or tofu. Both add protein and flavor. You can also use chickpeas for a vegetarian option. This way, anyone can enjoy the salad. The spice level is mild, thanks to the chili powder. If you want more heat, add diced jalapeños. You can also use hot sauce to spice it up. Adjust the spice to your taste for the perfect kick! This blog post highlighted a tasty salad packed with delicious ingredients like chicken, black beans, and fresh veggies. I shared clear steps for preparation and serving, with tips to enhance flavors and textures. You can also try various proteins and dressings to suit your taste. Remember, this salad is quick to make and easy to store. Using fresh ingredients will keep it vibrant. Enjoy creating your own version and share it with friends!

Easy Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad Bowl

Discover the vibrant flavors of a Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad Bowl that’s perfect for any meal! Packed with protein from chicken and black beans, plus fresh veggies like avocado and red bell pepper, this colorful dish is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Drizzled with a zesty lime dressing, it’s a refreshing twist for lunch or dinner. Click through to explore this easy recipe and elevate your salad game today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 large red bell pepper, diced

1 ripe avocado, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup mixed salad greens (such as romaine, arugula, and spinach)

1/2 cup red onion, finely diced

1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Juice of 1 lime

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional: tortilla chips, for added crunch

Instructions
 

Combine Chicken and Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded or diced chicken. Follow this with the rinsed black beans, sweet corn, diced red bell pepper, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and the mixed salad greens. Gently mix these ingredients together until well incorporated.

    Create the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lime juice, extra-virgin olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin, along with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and flavorful.

      Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the combined salad ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss the salad to ensure every bite is well-coated with the zesty dressing.

        Incorporate Onion and Cilantro: Just before serving, sprinkle the finely diced red onion and chopped cilantro over the top of the salad. Lightly mix them in to preserve their freshness and vibrant flavors.

          Taste and Adjust: Sample the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Feel free to add additional salt, pepper, or lime juice to taste so that it resonates with your palate.

            Serve with a Crunch: If desired, gently fold in some tortilla chips to the salad for an extra layer of texture and crunch. Serve the salad immediately in individual bowls or plates, ensuring each serving is colorful and inviting.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 15 minutes | Serves 4