Dense Southwestern Bean Salad (Print Version)

A protein-packed blend of black beans, chicken, sweet corn, and fresh veggies with zesty Southwest spices.

# Components:

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

# Directions:

01 - Whisk olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until combined.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, mix shredded chicken, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño if using, and cilantro.
03 - Pour dressing over the combined ingredients and toss thoroughly to coat all components evenly.
04 - Gently fold in the diced avocado, taking care to avoid mashing the pieces.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning as preferred. Refrigerate the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes to blend flavors.
06 - Present as a salad, a dip with tortilla chips, or use as a filling for wraps.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a bit, so you can make it ahead without any guilt.
  • You get protein, fiber, and crunch all in one bowl without feeling weighed down.
  • It works as a side dish, a main lunch, or a dip for tortilla chips depending on your mood.
02 -
  • If you add the avocado too early and then refrigerate it, it'll turn brown and slimy. Fold it in right before serving if you're making this ahead.
  • Rinsing the black beans is not optional. The starchy liquid makes everything taste canned and dull.
  • Don't overdress it. You can always add more dressing, but you can't take it back once it's soupy.
03 -
  • If you have time, char the corn in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding it. The smoky sweetness takes this to another level.
  • Use a rotisserie chicken from the store and this becomes a fifteen-minute meal with almost no effort.
  • Taste the dressing before you pour it over everything. It should be punchy on its own, it'll mellow out once it coats all the ingredients.
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