Dense Southwestern Bean Salad (Printable)

Southwestern style bean salad with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, bell pepper, and zesty lime dressing.

# Ingredient List:

→ Protein & Beans

01 - 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (rotisserie or poached)
02 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup canned or frozen sweet corn, drained and thawed
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
07 - 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
08 - 1 avocado, diced
09 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Dressing

10 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
11 - 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
12 - 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
13 - 1 tsp honey or agave syrup
14 - 1 tsp ground cumin
15 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
16 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
17 - 1/2 tsp salt
18 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

# Steps:

01 - Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
02 - In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro.
03 - Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss well to evenly coat all ingredients.
04 - Gently fold in the diced avocado last to avoid mashing.
05 - Taste and season as needed. Refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes to blend flavors.
06 - Serve chilled as a salad, scoop as a dip with tortilla chips, or use as a filling for wraps.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in about thirty minutes flat, which means you can make it for unexpected guests without any panic.
  • The flavors get better as it sits, so you can prep it ahead and let the dressing do its magic while you focus on other things.
  • It works as a side dish, a light dinner, or even a dip with tortilla chips—the recipe is that flexible.
02 -
  • The avocado truly must go in last, or it will turn into brown mush and ruin the whole presentation—learned this the hard way the first time I made it.
  • Rinsing the canned beans removes excess starch and salt, which changes the texture from gluey to clean and distinct.
03 -
  • Toast the cumin and paprika in a dry pan for thirty seconds before whisking into the dressing if you want a deeper, more intentional spice flavor.
  • A squeeze of lime juice right before serving brings everything back into focus if the flavors feel flat or muddy.
Go Back