Southwestern Chicken Salad: Easy No-Mayo Meal Prep Recipe

Introduction

Craving a lunch that’s both delicious and good for you? This vibrant Southwest Chicken Salad is packed with flavor and nutrients! Forget mayo – we’re using Greek yogurt for a creamy, protein-rich base. This meal-prep friendly recipe combines Mexican-inspired spices with fresh ingredients for a satisfying and easy meal.

Why You’ll Love This Southwest Chicken Salad

• It’s bursting with delicious, bold flavors reminiscent of the Southwest.
• Each serving boasts 33g of protein and 4g of fiber, keeping you full and energized.
• Enjoy a creamy texture without the extra calories of mayonnaise, thanks to Greek yogurt.
• This recipe is quick and easy, ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes.
• Perfect for healthy meal prep and so versatile for serving.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful Southwest Chicken Salad:

• 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
• Cayenne (optional, to taste)
• ¾ cup black beans
• ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
• ½ cup corn (I prefer fire-roasted)
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro

Notes & Substitutions

• Chicken breast: You can boil the chicken as described or use rotisserie or canned chicken for a faster option. For another tasty chicken breast recipe, try this oven baked chicken thighs recipe.
• Greek yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt provides the best creamy texture; skyr is a great alternative.
• Corn: Fire-roasted corn adds a delicious smoky flavor, but frozen, canned, or fresh corn also work well.
• Red onion: Rinse the diced red onion under cold water for a milder flavor, or substitute with finely chopped shallots.
• Cilantro: If you’re sensitive to cilantro, simply omit it from the recipe.
• Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to suit your personal taste preferences.

Equipment

Here’s the equipment you’ll need for this Southwest Chicken Salad:

• Medium pot
• Large bowls
• Whisk
• Stand mixer (optional) or 2 forks
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

How To Make Southwest Chicken Salad

Follow these simple steps to make your own delicious Southwest Chicken Salad:

Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Add the seasoned chicken to a pot and cover with at least 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil.
3. Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer and shred it. Alternatively, you can use 2 forks to shred it.

Make the Dressing & Combine

1. In another large bowl, add the Greek yogurt, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Whisk until well combined.
2. Add the shredded chicken, black beans, bell pepper, corn, red onion, and cilantro to the bowl with the dressing.
3. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Taste the Southwest Chicken Salad and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice to your preference.

Chill and Serve

1. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Southwest Chicken Salad until it is cooled and the flavors have had a chance to meld together.
2. Serve on whole wheat toast, with tortilla chips, on rice cakes, or in tortillas. Enjoy this versatile Southwest Chicken Salad!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety and optimal texture.
• Shredding Hacks: A stand mixer makes shredding quick, but two forks work just as well.
• Flavor Balance: Taste and adjust spices, salt, and lime to customize the flavor.
• Avoiding Watery Salad: Drain the corn and black beans well before adding them to the salad.
• Preventing Soggy Veggies: Finely dice the bell pepper and red onion for the best texture.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the Southwest Chicken Salad on toasted whole wheat bread for a satisfying sandwich.
• Enjoy it with tortilla chips for a crunchy and flavorful snack.

For a different take, consider other bowl recipes. If you’re looking for another recipe that uses tortillas, you should try these easy-to-make Chicken Fajita Bowls.

• Fill tortillas with the chicken salad for easy and delicious wraps or tacos.
• Create a vibrant salad bowl with lettuce as a base and top with the chicken salad.

Storage Instructions

• Store any leftover Southwest Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep fresh for up to 4 days.
• Note that some liquid separation may occur; simply stir before serving.

Proper refrigeration is essential for food safety. The USDA provides guidelines on safe food storage temperatures and practices.

• Freezing is not recommended due to the Greek yogurt base, which can change texture.

Flavor Variations

• Add cotija cheese for a salty and crumbly texture.
• Include finely diced jalapeño for an extra kick of heat.
• Mix in diced avocado for added creaminess (consume quickly to prevent browning).
• Incorporate deseeded diced Roma tomatoes for a touch of sweetness.
• Experiment with a dash of Tajin seasoning for extra zing.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a glimpse at the nutritional value per serving of this Southwest Chicken Salad:

FAQ

Conclusion

This Southwest Chicken Salad is a delicious, healthy, and effortless way to enjoy a flavorful meal. The no-mayo recipe is ideal for those seeking a lighter option without compromising on creaminess or taste. Give this easy meal-prep recipe a try and share your creations with us on social media!

Southwestern Chicken Salad: Easy No-Mayo Meal Prep Recipe

This easy, no-mayo Southwestern Chicken Salad is perfect for meal prep, featuring tender shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and bell pepper in a zesty, spiced Greek yogurt dressing. It’s a fresh and flavorful option that can be enjoyed in various ways.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican-Inspired

Servings 4 servings

Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

• Pot
• Large Bowl
• Stand mixer
• forks
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

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Main 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
• kosher salt & black pepper to taste
• cayenne optional, to taste
• 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 cilantro

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, place in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Transfer the cooked chicken to a large bowl or stand mixer, then shred it using a mixer or two forks.
• In a separate large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, and spices. Add the shredded chicken and remaining ingredients, stir to combine, then taste and adjust seasoning.
• Chill the chicken salad in the refrigerator until cooled and flavors have melded, then serve on whole wheat toast, with tortilla chips, on a rice cake, or in a tortilla.

Notes

For best flavor, allow the chicken salad to chill in the refrigerator for a period of time so the flavors can meld. Serve this versatile salad on whole wheat toast, with tortilla chips, on a rice cake, or in a tortilla.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 40gFat: 7gSodium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

Keyword Healthy Chicken Salad, High Protein Chicken Salad, Mexican Chicken Salad, Southwest Chicken Salad

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