Dinner

Southwest Chicken Salad with Lime Hot Sauce Dressing Recipe

Name: Southwest Chicken Salad with Lime Hot Sauce Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 3 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken; 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup corn, fresh or canned; 1 red bell pepper, diced; ⅓ cup diced red onion; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; ½ cup sour cream; Juice of 1 large lime; 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s); ½ teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Byrami Hayes March 18, 2026March 18, 2026

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Introduction

This Southwest Chicken Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Packed with protein, veggies, and a zesty lime dressing, it brings a delicious southwestern twist to your table.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with a creamy salad made of several layers mixed together, including beige-colored chunks of chicken or tofu, black beans, small red pieces likely from pomegranate seeds or chopped peppers, and pale yellow creamy dressing, topped with a sprig of bright green cilantro sitting on top as garnish. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a red and white cloth partially visible underneath. In the blurred background, there is a light green leafy plant and a yellowish hummus dip or spread. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken
1 14.5 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn, fresh or canned
1 red bell pepper, diced
⅓ cup diced red onion
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
½ cup sour cream
Juice of 1 large lime
1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (recommended: Frank’s)
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce, chili powder, cumin, and kosher salt until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: In a large mixing or serving bowl, combine the cooked chicken, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped cilantro.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Step 4: Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour to let the flavors meld.
Step 5: Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
Add diced avocado or shredded cheese for extra creaminess.
For extra crunch, top with tortilla strips or crushed pita chips.
Feel free to switch up the hot sauce to your preferred heat level or style.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the fresh lime juice and sour cream, it’s best eaten within this time frame. Stir well before serving and enjoy cold or at room temperature.