Description
This vibrant Chipotle Lime Chicken Salad combines shredded chicken with black beans, sweet corn, bell peppers, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a creamy, smoky chipotle lime dressing. Perfect for a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dressing
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional or add more yogurt)
- Juice from 1 lime
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
For the Salad
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup canned sweet corn, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, finely diced
- ¼ cup romaine lettuce, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Add the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), lime juice, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, adobo sauce, kosher salt, finely minced garlic, and chipotle chili powder to a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken, rinsed and drained black beans, drained sweet corn, finely diced red and orange bell peppers, thinly sliced romaine lettuce, finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared chipotle lime dressing over the mixed salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly to coat all components evenly with the dressing. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or black pepper if desired.
- Serve: Serve the chipotle lime chicken salad immediately. Optionally, garnish with extra fresh cilantro and accompany with romaine lettuce leaves and tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dressing, add an extra chipotle pepper or a dash more adobo sauce.
- Mayonnaise can be omitted for a lighter, tangier dressing by increasing the Greek yogurt amount.
- Use cooked chicken from leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Serve on its own for a low-carb option or with tortilla chips for a heartier meal.
- This salad keeps well for up to 2 days stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator but is best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
