Southwest Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing

Healthy Southwest Chicken Salad

Craving something cool, creamy, and full of flavor? This Southwest Chicken Salad is the protein-packed answer, perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep days!

🕒 Prep Time: 10 min

🕒 Cook Time: 20 min

🕒 Total Time: 30 min

📋 Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
• Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt or skyr
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• ¾ tsp ground cumin
• ¾ tsp chili powder
• ¾ tsp smoked paprika
• Pinch cayenne (optional)
• ¾ cup black beans
• ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
• ½ cup corn (fire-roasted preferred)
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:
   Place chicken breasts in a medium pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with at least 1 inch of water and bring to a boil.
   Once boiling, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F 🌡️.
2. Shred the Chicken:
   Transfer to a large bowl or a stand mixer and shred while warm. (A stand mixer makes this extra quick! 😉)
3. Make the Dressing:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using) until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Everything:
   Add shredded chicken, black beans, red bell pepper, corn, red onion, and cilantro to the yogurt dressing. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill and Serve:
   Refrigerate until chilled and the flavors have melded together. Serve it up on toast, in lettuce cups, or with tortilla chips!

🔧 Pro Tips:

• Meal Prep Friendly: Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days — perfect for grab-and-go lunches.
• Make it Spicier: Add diced jalapeños or more cayenne for extra heat 🔥.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Use a plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free version.

🍽️ Nutrition Info Table + Disclaimer:

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.