Description
High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad is a flavorful, protein-packed lunch that’s perfect for meal prep and busy weekdays. Made with shredded chicken, beans, corn, and fresh veggies tossed in a creamy Southwest-style dressing, it’s nutritious, filling, and ready in under 30 minutes — ideal for fitness lovers and on-the-go meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb), cooked and shredded
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Bake, boil, or grill chicken breasts until cooked through. Shred with two forks and let cool.
- Prep the Vegetables: Dice red onion and bell pepper. Prepare corn and rinse beans.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, beans, corn, and veggies. Add dressing and toss until well coated.
- Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Meal prep: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Healthy fats: Add diced avocado before serving for extra creaminess.
- Spice it up: Add jalapeño or cayenne for heat.
- Versatile: Serve in wraps, over greens, or as a dip.
- Protein boost: Add egg whites, cottage cheese, or hemp seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Salad, High Protein
- Method: No-Cook, Mixed
- Cuisine: Southwest American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: High Protein Southwest Chicken Salad, Protein Lunch, Meal Prep Chicken Salad, Healthy Lunch Ideas, Southwest Chicken Salad, High Protein Recipes, Chicken Salad for Work, Easy Meal Prep, Fitness Lunch, Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad