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Southwest Chicken Salad

A vibrant salad featuring cooked shredded chicken, crunchy vegetables, and crispy tortilla strips tossed in a smoky, tangy lime and chipotle dressing. The dish combines textures of crispness and tenderness, with bold Southwestern flavors that are visually colorful and lively on the plate.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken use leftover or rotisserie chicken
  • 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen, thawed
  • 1 red bell pepper bell pepper deseeded and diced
  • 1 small red onion finely chopped
  • 1 avocado ripe avocado sliced just before serving
  • 1/2 cup tortilla strips store-bought or homemade, crispy
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika smoked paprika or regular paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder or hot sauce to taste
  • Salt and black pepper to taste to taste

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Tongs
  • Small Bowl

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, chipotle powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the dressing. Set aside.
    1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  2. Add the shredded cooked chicken, diced bell pepper, and chopped red onion to a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to combine, breaking up the chicken slightly for even distribution.
    2 cups cooked shredded chicken, 1 red bell pepper bell pepper, 1 small red onion
  3. Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetables. Toss everything together until evenly coated, and the vegetables have a vibrant coating of flavor.
  4. In a skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil and fry the tortilla strips until crispy and golden, about 3–4 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even color.
    1/2 cup tortilla strips, 2 tablespoons olive oil
  5. Once crispy, transfer the tortilla strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt if desired.
  6. Just before serving, slice the ripe avocado into thin slices and set aside.
    1 avocado ripe avocado
  7. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl, top with sliced avocado and crispy tortilla strips for added crunch and freshness.
    1 avocado ripe avocado, 1/2 cup tortilla strips
  8. Give the salad a gentle toss to combine all ingredients and distribute toppings evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrasting textures of crisp tortilla, tender chicken, and fresh avocado, all coated in the smoky, spicy dressing.