Anyone else feel like lunch is the hardest meal to get right during a busy week? I totally do! That’s why I’m so excited to share this High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad with you. It’s my secret weapon for those days when you need something super satisfying, packed with flavor, and lightning-fast to make. Honestly, finding meals that are both healthy and quick can be a challenge, but this salad ticks all the boxes. With my years of tinkering in the kitchen to create meals that fuel us without taking forever, this Southwest Chicken Salad has become an absolute lifesaver. It’s seriously good!
Why You’ll Love This High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad
Seriously, this salad is a game-changer for busy lunchtimes! You’re going to adore it because:
- It’s ridiculously fast: We’re talking minutes to whip this up, no cooking required!
- Packed with protein: Thanks to the chicken, beans, and Greek yogurt, you’ll feel full and satisfied for hours.
- Southwest flavor explosion: The combination of corn, black beans, zesty lime, and spices is just *chef’s kiss*!
- Super versatile: Eat it straight up, pile it into wraps, or serve it on crisp lettuce – however you like it!
Gather Your High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad Ingredients
Alright, let’s get everything ready for this amazing High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad. You’ll want to have these handy:
-
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast – I usually just use rotisserie chicken for speed, but cooked and cooled poached chicken works perfectly too!
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained – Make sure they’re good and rinsed so you don’t get any of that canned liquid.
- 1/2 cup corn, drained – Frozen corn is fine, just thaw it out first.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped – I like my onion super fine so it blends in nicely.
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped – Fresh cilantro is key here for that bright, zingy flavor!
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise – Use your favorite kind!
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt – This is our secret to making it creamy and adding even more protein!
- 1 tablespoon lime juice – Freshly squeezed is best, trust me.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder – For that southwest kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin – Adds a lovely earthy note.
- Salt and pepper to taste – I always reach for my kosher salt for the best flavor control.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad
Okay, making this High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad is honestly a breeze! You’ll be chowed down in no time. Here’s how we do it:
Combining the Base Ingredients
First things first, grab a nice big bowl. Toss in your shredded chicken, those rinsed black beans, the sweet corn, that finely chopped red onion, and of course, all that fresh cilantro. Give it a quick little stir just to get everything acquainted.
Creating the Flavorful Southwest Dressing
Now, for the magic! In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and that lovely plain Greek yogurt (our secret weapon for extra protein and creaminess!). Add in the fresh lime juice, chili powder, and cumin. Whisk it all up until it’s super smooth and creamy. Can you already smell those amazing spices? It reminds me a bit of when I make my Greek yogurt meatballs, that same fresh zing!
Bringing It All Together
Pour that delicious dressing right over your chicken and veggie mix. Now, this is important: gently stir everything together until it’s all nicely coated. You don’t want to mash up those beans or corn! Taste it as you go and add salt and pepper until it’s just perfect for you. A little pinch of black pepper can really make the flavors pop!
Serving Your High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad
And there you have it! Your High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad is ready. I like to give it a little chill in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes if I have the time – it really lets those flavors meld together beautifully. But honestly, it’s great right away too!
Tips for the Best High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad
Okay, so you’ve got the main idea, but let me tell you a few little secrets that really elevate this High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad from good to *amazing*. Trust me on these!
First, don’t skimp on the fresh lime juice! I used to think bottled was fine, but oh my goodness, the flavor from fresh lime zest and juice is a total game-changer. It brightens everything up so much. I also find that using a good quality mayonnaise makes a difference, but you already knew that, right? For a little extra zing, you could even add a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar to the dressing. It sounds weird but it adds a subtle tang that’s just *chef’s kiss*.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Okay, let’s chat about some of the stars in this High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad. Sometimes, having a little extra info makes all the difference, right? We want this to be perfect for YOU! For instance, using plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, like I often do in my Greek yogurt fruit granola bowls, adds a creamy texture and a protein boost that’s hard to beat.
Chicken Preparation
So, about that chicken! I totally love using rotisserie chicken because, hello, convenience! It’s already cooked and seasoned, plus shredding it is a breeze. But if you’re poaching your own chicken breast, fantastic! Just make sure it’s fully cooked and then let it cool a bit before you shred or dice it. Nobody wants warm chicken salad!
Spice Level Adjustments
Now, if you’re like me and love a little kick, you can definitely amp up the heat. That pinch of cayenne pepper I mentioned in the notes? It’s awesome! Or, finely mince a little bit of jalapeño – seeds and all if you’re feeling brave! Just add it to the dressing mixture. Start small, you can always add more!
Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken Salad
This High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad is super versatile! I honestly love it scooped onto crisp lettuce leaves – makes for a light and refreshing meal. But don’t stop there! Pile it generously into whole wheat tortillas for a hearty wrap, or serve it alongside some crunchy crackers for a classic chicken salad experience. It’s really good over a slice of healthy tomato toast too for an extra tasty lunch!
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers of this awesome High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad? Lucky you! It stores like a dream. Just pop it into an airtight container – any good glass or plastic one will do – and keep it in the fridge. It stays perfectly delicious for about 3 to 4 days. Honestly, I find it tastes even better the next day as all those Southwest flavors get to hang out and get to know each other even more!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Oh, absolutely! This High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad is a meal-prepper’s dream. I often make it a day or two in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. If you want to keep the cilantro super fresh, you could even add it right before serving, but it’s totally fine mixed in! I learned about making food ahead to save time from who I am now, and that’s my about me page!
What are some healthy substitutions for mayonnaise?
Great question! If you’re not a huge mayo fan or looking for something lighter, you can totally swap some or all of it out. Using more plain Greek yogurt is my go-to for extra protein and creaminess. Avocado is another fantastic option – mash up about half an avocado for that creamy texture and healthy fats!
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
This High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad is pretty low in carbs already, especially if you serve it in lettuce wraps or on its own. The main carb sources are the beans and corn. If you’re really strict with low-carb, you can reduce the amount of corn or beans, or skip them altogether, but honestly, it still fits into a healthy low-carb lifestyle really well!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutritional facts for this High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad are estimates, of course! They can change a bit depending on the exact brands you use. We’re looking at roughly:
Per serving (about 1 cup): Calories: 350, Fat: 15g, Protein: 35g, Carbohydrates: 20g, Fiber: 4g. For all the nitty-gritty details and disclaimers, you can check our full nutritional disclaimer.
Share Your High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad Creations!
I truly hope you adore this High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad as much as I do! If you whip it up, pretty please leave a comment below and tell me what you thought. Or, snap a pic and tag me on social media – I just love seeing how you make it your own! You can also reach me with any questions via my contact page. Happy cooking!
For more recipes follow me on PINTEREST
Print
Zero Carb Yogurt Bread
- Total Time: 65 min
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A simple recipe for a bread made with zero carb ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup psyllium husk powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and eggs until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour, psyllium husk powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, you can bake the bread for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 50 min
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: zero carb bread, keto bread, low carb bread, yogurt bread, almond flour bread, psyllium husk bread
High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
A flavorful and protein-rich chicken salad with Southwest-inspired ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup corn, drained
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Serve on lettuce wraps, in tortillas, or with crackers.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: high protein, southwest chicken salad, chicken salad, healthy lunch, quick meal, protein-rich