Dense Southwestern Bean Salad (Printable)

Hearty blend of black beans, corn, chicken, and zesty Southwestern flavors in a fresh, vibrant dish.

# Components:

→ Protein & Beans

01 - 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (rotisserie or poached)
02 - 1 can (15 oz) 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

# Method:

01 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
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 mixed ingredients and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
04 - Gently fold the diced avocado into the salad last to avoid mashing.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
06 - Present as a salad, use as a dip with tortilla chips, or as a filling for wraps.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or unexpected company.
  • One bowl holds enough protein and fiber to actually fill you up, no apologies needed.
  • The flavor profile is bold enough to feel special but approachable enough that even picky eaters tend to come back for seconds.
02 -
  • Drain and rinse your canned beans thoroughly, otherwise you'll end up with a salad that tastes like the tin rather than the ingredients.
  • Fresh lime juice makes a real difference here in a way it doesn't in every recipe, so if you skip it you're genuinely changing the dish.
  • Add the avocado last and fold gently, because smashed avocado turns everything into a texture problem.
03 -
  • Toast your spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before whisking them into the dressing if you want the flavors to be even more pronounced and warm.
  • Make the dressing a few hours ahead if you can, as it lets the cumin and paprika marry and deepen, which is a small step that changes everything.
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