Chicken Salad with Avocado and Black Beans
Description
This vibrant and protein-packed salad combines tender chicken breast, creamy avocado, hearty black beans, and fresh vegetables with a zesty lime dressing. It’s a perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and texture—ideal for a healthy lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Salad:
2 cups cooked chicken breast (grilled or rotisserie), shredded or cubed
1 ripe avocado, diced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cucumber, chopped (optional)
4 cups mixed greens or romaine lettuce (optional base)
For the Lime Dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 2 limes (about 3–4 tbsp)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, honey (if using), salt, and pepper.
Toss the salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, avocado, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, corn, cucumber (if using), and cilantro.
Add the dressing
Pour the lime dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
Serve
Serve over a bed of greens or enjoy as-is. This salad can also be wrapped in a tortilla or stuffed in a pita for a more filling meal.
Prep and Cook Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes (if chicken is pre-cooked)
Total time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Note: Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Calories: 370 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Dietary Fiber: 9 g
Sugars: 3 g
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg
Sodium: 480 mg
Common Questions & Answers
Q1: Can I use canned chicken?
A: Yes, canned chicken can be used for convenience. Just make sure to drain and shred it before adding.
Q2: How long does this salad last in the fridge?
A: It’s best consumed within 24 hours due to the avocado. You can prep the other ingredients ahead and add avocado right before serving.
Q3: Is this salad good for meal prep?
A: Yes! Store the salad (without avocado and dressing) in containers for up to 3 days. Add avocado and dressing just before eating.
Q4: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Just omit the chicken or replace it with tofu, tempeh, or extra beans like chickpeas.
Q5: What pairs well with this salad?
A: It pairs well with tortilla chips, grilled vegetables, or a side of quinoa.
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