Name: Southwest Chicken Salad with Avocado and Cilantro Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Southwestern American
Ingredients: 1 large head of romaine, chopped; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced; 1 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and drained if using canned; 1 cup organic frozen corn, thawed; 4 celery ribs, sliced; 4 green onions, sliced; 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 tsps homemade taco seasoning; 1 ripe avocado, diced; juice of 1 fresh lime; 1/2 cup homemade mayonnaise; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 fresh garlic clove, minced; 2 tsps apple cider vinegar; Sea salt and ground pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 5 reviews

Nothing brightens up a meal quite like a vibrant, fresh salad packed with flavor, and that’s exactly what the Southwest Chicken Salad with Avocado and Cilantro Recipe delivers. This salad bursts with colorful ingredients and a lively blend of textures—from crisp romaine and crunchy celery to creamy avocado and tender chicken. Each bite is a celebration of Southwest-inspired tastes, punctuated by zesty lime and fresh cilantro that bring such a joyful lift to the dish. It’s easy to make, nourishing, and perfect for everything from quick lunches to impressive dinner spreads.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows fresh ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. On the left side, a bunch of green onions and cilantro are placed vertically, adding a bright green touch. Next to them are three celery stalks with light green color. On the right side, three white bowls and one clear glass bowl are filled with different foods: the top left white bowl is filled with light brown shredded chicken, the bottom left white bowl holds dark red kidney beans, and the top right clear glass bowl contains bright yellow corn kernels. Below the bowls, a vibrant yellow bell pepper and a dark green avocado are placed side by side. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting ready to make this Southwest Chicken Salad with Avocado and Cilantro Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are simple yet thoughtfully chosen to create balanced, bold flavors. Each element plays a crucial role: the chicken provides satisfying protein, fresh veggies add crunch and color, and the dressing ties everything together with tangy creaminess.

Romaine lettuce: Provides a crisp, refreshing base that holds up well to hearty toppings.
Cooked chicken (shredded or diced): Adds tender protein that soaks up all the flavors.
Yellow bell pepper: Brings a sweet crunch and bright color to the salad.
Cooked black beans: Offer creamy texture and earthy notes essential to Southwest cuisine.
Organic frozen corn (thawed): Adds just the right pop of sweetness and a satisfying bite.
Celery ribs: Provide a refreshing crunch and subtle peppery flavor.
Green onions: Give a mild sharpness that complements the other veggies.
Fresh cilantro: The star herb that brings bold, citrusy freshness.
Homemade taco seasoning: Infuses the salad with smoky, spicy Southwest flair.
Ripe avocado: Offers creamy richness and balances the zesty lime juice beautifully.
Fresh lime juice: Brightens the entire bowl, making the flavors pop.
Mayonnaise and Greek yogurt: Combine for a luscious yet light dressing base.
Fresh garlic: Adds depth and aromatic intensity to the dressing.
Apple cider vinegar: Brings tang that sharpens the creamy dressing perfectly.
Sea salt and ground pepper: Essential seasonings to round out all the tastes.

How to Make Southwest Chicken Salad with Avocado and Cilantro Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing

Start by combining mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, and ground pepper in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until smooth and creamy. This homemade dressing is the flavorful glue that will bring together each component of the salad in a harmonious way.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large salad bowl, toss together chopped romaine, cooked chicken, diced yellow bell pepper, black beans, thawed corn, sliced celery, green onions, and chopped fresh cilantro. This medley not only looks stunning with its vibrant colors but also offers a satisfying variety of textures with every forkful.

Step 3: Dress and Season the Salad

Drizzle the freshly whisked dressing over the salad mix and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle your homemade taco seasoning over the salad, adjusting the amount to your taste preference. Stir gently to distribute the smoky, spicy seasoning without bruising the ingredients.

Step 4: Add Avocado and Lime Juice

Fold in diced ripe avocado delicately so it doesn’t get mashed. Immediately squeeze fresh lime juice over the avocado to prevent browning and add a burst of bright acidity that lifts the entire salad to another level of deliciousness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Now divide this colorful, nutrient-packed salad among plates or bowls and get ready to enjoy one of the most refreshing and satisfying meals you’ll make. Each bite captures the essence of the Southwest with creamy, crunchy, zesty, and savory notes harmoniously combined.

How to Serve Southwest Chicken Salad with Avocado and Cilantro Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a fresh salad that has about four main layers: chunks of light pink cooked chicken mixed with diced light green avocado, shiny black beans, bright yellow corn, and chopped dark green leafy vegetables, all tossed together in a creamy dressing. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a silver fork with a wooden handle resting inside the bowl, partially buried in the salad. Surrounding the bowl are fresh ingredients like half an avocado with its brown seed, green celery stalks, dark leafy greens, and some scattered small pieces of yellow bell pepper and chopped green onions. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your salad experience by sprinkling a little extra chopped cilantro and a few tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips on top for crunch. A light dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of hot sauce can also add wonderful layers of flavor if you love a little spice.

Side Dishes

This salad shines wonderfully on its own but pairs beautifully with warm, soft corn tortillas or crusty bread for scooping. For a fuller meal, consider serving alongside a light soup or a simple black bean chili to keep that Southwest theme going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in a hollowed-out bell pepper or avocado halves for a fun and charming presentation at a casual get-together. You can also layer it in clear glass jars for convenient meal prep or picnic-friendly packing that shows off all those gorgeous colors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the avocado looking fresh and green, make sure to leave plenty of lime juice on the avocado or add it right before serving.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables and dressing, this salad is not ideal for freezing. The texture of ingredients like lettuce and avocado will change drastically and become mushy upon thawing.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want to reheat the chicken portion, take it out separately and warm gently before mixing it back into the chilled salad, ensuring the fresh ingredients retain their crispness.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and can save you time while adding delicious flavor to your Southwest Chicken Salad with Avocado and Cilantro Recipe.

What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh cilantro?

If fresh cilantro isn’t available, you can use fresh parsley or a small amount of fresh basil for a different but pleasant herbaceous note.

How spicy is the salad?

The heat level depends on how much taco seasoning you add. You can adjust the seasoning to be as mild or as smoky and spicy as you prefer.

Can I make this salad vegan?

To make a vegan version, use plant-based chicken alternatives, swap mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for vegan versions, and ensure taco seasoning is free from animal products.

What’s the best way to keep avocado fresh in the salad?

The key is to add plenty of fresh lime juice to the diced avocado and mix it gently right before serving, which helps prevent browning and keeps the salad looking vibrant.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about the flavors and colors of this Southwest Chicken Salad with Avocado and Cilantro Recipe. It’s a dish that feels both fresh and hearty, perfect whether you’re looking for a quick meal or something to impress friends and family. I hope you enjoy making it as much as eating it—this salad definitely has a way of brightening any day!