Chopped Chicken Salad – Southwest Style with Chipotle Dressing
Nothing satisfies quite like a refreshing chopped chicken salad when you’re craving something healthy, filling, and packed with bold flavor. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week, crafting a light weeknight dinner, or throwing together a quick meal for guests, this salad offers convenience without sacrificing taste. With juicy diced chicken, crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, and a smoky chipotle dressing, it’s a dish you’ll want to return to again and again.
What sets this southwest-style chopped chicken salad apart is how simple it is to prepare, yet how crave-worthy the flavors are. Plus, you can easily customize the recipe depending on what ingredients you have on hand. So, grab your favorite salad bowl and let’s dive into this easy, flavorful chopped chicken salad recipe that could soon become a staple in your kitchen.
Why This Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe Stands Out
You might wonder why this particular chopped chicken salad recipe has gained such popularity. First, it delivers big flavor in every bite—smoky chipotle dressing meets the natural sweetness of corn and juicy tomatoes. In addition, the combination of chicken and black beans packs a protein punch, keeping you full and energized.
Beyond flavor and nutrition, this recipe is quick and easy, taking only about 40 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, it’s super approachable. Also, its versatility means you can adjust the ingredients to your liking—skip the beans, add extra veggies, or swap proteins if you want.
Because of these qualities, this chopped chicken salad recipe fits every season. It’s light enough for hot summer days but hearty enough for autumn lunches.
Ingredients for the Perfect Southwest Chicken Chopped Salad
Before you get started, gather fresh, flavorful ingredients. This salad’s base includes crisp lettuce, seasoned chicken, and a colorful mix of vegetables. Meanwhile, the creamy chipotle dressing brings a smoky, zesty finish that ties everything together beautifully.
Fresh and Flavor-Packed Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 cups | Chopped lettuce | Romaine or iceberg adds satisfying crunch |
| 3 cups | Cooked chicken, diced | Use grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken |
| ¾ cup | Black beans | Rinsed and drained |
| ¾ cup | Corn kernels | Fresh, frozen (thawed), or canned |
| ¾ cup | Diced tomatoes | Cherry or Roma work best |
| 1 large | Avocado | Dice just before serving to prevent browning |
| ¼ cup | Sliced green onions | Include both green and white parts |
| 2–3 Tbsp | Chopped cilantro | Optional, but highly recommended |
| ⅓ cup | Cotija cheese (optional) | Crumbled; or substitute feta |
| To taste | Crushed tortilla chips | Add just before serving for crunch |
Dressing Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ¼ cup | Plain Greek yogurt | Dairy-free alternative works well |
| 1 Tbsp | Sour cream | Or substitute extra Greek yogurt |
| 1 Tbsp | Chipotle in adobo sauce | Use only the sauce from canned chipotle peppers |
| 2 tsp | Maple syrup or honey | Balances heat with a touch of sweetness |
| 2 Tbsp | Fresh lime juice | Adds a bright, tangy note |
| 2 Tbsp | Olive oil | Helps emulsify and smooth the dressing |
| ½ tsp | Salt | Adjust to your preference |
| ¼ tsp | Ground cumin | Provides earthy southwest flavor |
How to Make This Easy Chopped Chicken Salad
With your ingredients ready, you’re only a few steps away from a vibrant and delicious salad.
Step 1: Make the Creamy Chipotle Dressing
Start by combining the Greek yogurt, sour cream, chipotle sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and cumin in a medium bowl. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can cover and refrigerate the dressing while preparing the rest of your salad to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Prep Your Ingredients
Next, dice your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Rinse and drain the black beans thoroughly. If you’re using frozen or fresh corn, cook it accordingly and let it cool before adding. Meanwhile, dice the tomatoes and avocado, slice the green onions, and chop the cilantro.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, green onions, and cilantro. Gently toss all the ingredients to mix them evenly.
Step 4: Dress and Finish
Pour the creamy chipotle dressing over the salad, starting with a small amount—you can always add more if needed. Toss gently to coat everything well. Finally, sprinkle each serving with cotija cheese and crushed tortilla chips for an added crunch.
Tips for Customizing Your Chicken Chopped Salad
To make this salad truly your own, consider these expert tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible. Crisp lettuce, ripe avocado, and freshly squeezed lime juice make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers, shredded carrots, or cucumbers for more crunch and color.
- Swap out chicken for grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu if you prefer.
- If chipotle dressing isn’t your favorite, try alternatives such as ranch or a tangy vinaigrette.
- For meal prep, store the dressing separately and add just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
What to Serve with Chopped Chicken Salad
This salad pairs well with several delicious sides. For example:
- A slice of warm cornbread or garlic toast complements the southwest flavors perfectly.
- Fresh fruit such as pineapple, mango, or melon adds a sweet contrast.
- Sparkling water with lime or a fruity iced tea offers a refreshing beverage option.
Storing and Prepping Chicken Chop Chop Salad Ahead
Storing Leftovers
To keep your salad fresh, store undressed salad ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the dressing in a separate jar to prevent sogginess.
Making Ahead
You can prepare the chicken, chop vegetables, and make the dressing up to three days in advance. Just assemble the salad shortly before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Nutritional Benefits of a Healthy Chopped Chicken Salad
This dish offers numerous nutritional advantages:
- High protein content from chicken and beans helps keep you full longer.
- Rich fiber from vegetables and legumes supports digestion.
- Healthy fats from avocado and olive oil promote heart health.
- A variety of vitamins, including A, C, and potassium, contribute to overall wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chopped Chicken Salad
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds flavor and saves time.
How spicy is the chipotle dressing?
The dressing has mild to moderate heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less chipotle sauce and adjust as needed.
Can I make it without beans or corn?
Absolutely. This chicken chop chop salad is very flexible—feel free to omit or substitute ingredients based on your preferences.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Definitely. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat for maximum freshness.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free yogurt and skip the cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
Conclusion
If you’ve been searching for a fresh, filling, and flavorful meal, this chopped chicken salad recipe fits the bill. With its smoky chipotle dressing, crisp vegetables, and protein-packed chicken, it satisfies on every level. Moreover, it’s easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to friends. So, grab your fork, customize the salad your way, and enjoy every delicious bite.
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below with your favorite twists or toppings. Also, share it with a friend who loves easy, healthy meals!
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Chopped Chicken Salad – Southwest Style with Chipotle Dressing
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Southwest Chicken Chopped Salad is packed with crisp lettuce, juicy chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, and a smoky chipotle lime dressing. It’s topped with crunchy tortilla chips for the perfect summer dinner salad—bold in flavor, fresh in texture, and easy to make in under an hour.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
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6 cups chopped lettuce
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3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
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¾ cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
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¾ cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
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¾ cup diced tomatoes
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1 large avocado, diced
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¼ cup sliced green onions
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2–3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
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⅓ cup crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
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Crushed tortilla chips, for serving
For the Creamy Chipotle Dressing:
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¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
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1 tablespoon sour cream
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1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce (just the sauce from canned chipotle peppers)
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2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
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2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
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Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, sour cream, chipotle in adobo sauce, maple syrup (or honey), lime juice, olive oil, salt, and cumin until smooth. Refrigerate while assembling the salad. -
Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped lettuce, diced chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, green onions, and cilantro. Toss well to distribute ingredients evenly. -
Dress and Serve:
Add the chipotle dressing to the salad and toss until coated. Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese and crushed tortilla chips over each serving bowl. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salads
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: Approx. 450 per serving (without cotija cheese or extra chips; values may vary depending on ingredients used)