A delicious, creamy and protein-rich Mexican-inspired chicken salad loaded with tender chicken, sweet corn, black beans, crunchy vegetables, avocado, and a zesty creamy lime dressing.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Course: Lunch / Dinner / Salad
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Salad
- 2 cups cooked corn
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped, optional
Creamy Mexican Dressing
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1–2 tablespoons water, if needed
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
- Cook: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until fully cooked. The thickest part should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes, then dice or shred it.
- Prepare the dressing: Whisk Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add a little water if the dressing is too thick.
- Build the salad: Combine chicken, corn, black beans, bell pepper, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, cilantro, and cheese in a large bowl.
- Gently fold in the avocado.
- Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently until well coated.
- Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Net Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
Nutrition will vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands used.
Nut & Allergen Information
- Contains: Dairy if using Greek yogurt and cheese; egg if using traditional mayonnaise.
- Nuts: No peanuts or tree nuts in the basic recipe.
- Gluten: Naturally gluten-free when all packaged ingredients are verified gluten-free.
- Egg-free option: Use egg-free mayonnaise.
- Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free yogurt and cheese.
Tips
- Don’t overcook the chicken or it can become dry.
- Let the chicken cool slightly before mixing it with the salad.
- Add avocado shortly before serving for the freshest texture.
- For extra protein, use Greek yogurt-based dressing and add additional chicken.
- For a lower-carb version, reduce the corn and black beans and add more cucumber, lettuce, and avocado.
Q&A
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add jalapeño, cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot sauce.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. Keep the dressing and avocado separate and combine them shortly before serving.
How long does it last?
Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Can I serve it as a wrap?
Yes. Spoon the chicken salad into lettuce leaves or a tortilla for an easy wrap.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a flavorful alternative to chicken breast.
Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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