It is time for my Southwest Chicken Salad Summer version to make an appearance. What makes the summer version different? Well there are two things actually, mangoes and creamy cilantro lime dressing! That’s right, mangoes are nice and ripe this time of year and add a new twist to this salad…..
The creamy cilantro lime dressing is lighter and tangier to compliment the sweet mangoes. Doesn’t this black bean salsa with the mangoes look delicious? And this is the Cream Cilantro Lime Dressing that ties it all together…..
it makes the perfect light summer meal…..
and it is super fast to prepare if you use rotisserie chicken. Sometimes I crush tortilla chips on top just for fun!
How to make a Southwest Chicken Salad for Summer:
For the Salsa:
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
For the Dressing:
Place all ingredients together in the bowl of a food processor, and puree until smooth. Taste and adjust as necessary. Pour into a covered container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
To assemble the salad:
Place lettuce in a large bowl or serving platter. Place shredded chicken on top of lettuce.
Sprinkle the salsa over the chicken, and drizzle with dressing…..
Soooo, does that dressing look a bit strange to you? Yep, I forgot to add the mayonnaise this time when I took the new pictures. It was really delicious without if you want to leave it out, lol
Some additional Southwest Salad recipes for you to try:
Southwest Chicken Salad Spring – with avocado and Creamy Guacamole Dressing
Southwest Chicken Salad Fall – with roasted corn and sweet potatoes and Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Southwest Chicken Salad Winter – with pomegranate seeds and Orange Cilantro Dressing
Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad – with cheddar cheese chunks, broken tortilla chips and Ranch Dressing
If you would like to follow me on Pinterest, there is a cute little button with a “p” on it up in the right hand corner. If you would like to check out all of the information that I am collecting on my Pinterest Boards click here: cookwithcurls
Enjoy!!
Southwest Chicken Salad Summer
Ingredients
Salsa
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 can corn (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 fresh mango (peeled and chopped)
- 3 green onions (sliced)
- 2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
For the Salad
- 1 bag leaf lettuce (I used European Blend)
- 1 bag spring mix
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
Dressing
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 large cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
Salsa
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Dressing
- Place all ingredients together in the bowl of a food processor, and puree until smooth. Taste and adjust as necessary. Pour into a covered container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
For the Salad
- Place lettuce in a large bowl or serving platter. Place shredded chicken on top of lettuce.
- Sprinkle the salsa over the chicken, and drizzle with dressing.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with additional dressing.
Notes
- This dressing is just as delicious without the mayonnaise if you do not want to use it.
- Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for a super fast dinner.
Lisa, this looks delicious!!! Pinning, buffering and just sharing the love! Have a great day and see you tonight for the party!
Yeah… so this salad pretty much looks amazing! Send one my way, please. 😉
Looks light and refreshin, pinned
This salad looks delicious, Lisa! Pinning to hopefully try this summer.
You had me at cilantro. I don’t know how anyone can not like it…I can eat it plain! I want this salad for dinner. I agree that Pinterest is one of the greatest things ever, and I’m completely HOOKED!
Yum! I have had mangos in a taco salad before, you wouldn’t think it – but they work! The dressing sound good too – pinning!
I love this salad, Lisa! I really like corn and black beans in salads. In fact, I had a salad at Chili’s a couple of nights ago – grilled chicken. It had black beans, corn, grilled chicken and avocado (left out the cheese, added avocado.) It came with honey lime vinaigrette. It as so good. Just like your salad looks good. Pinning and sharing on social media!
This looks SOOOO good! It has all my favorite ingredients…must pin it NOW!
That recipe looks great – thank you, it’s perfect for a Summer night dinner!
I have to admit that I could probably just drink the dressing. I love cilantro! And all the flavors in this salad must be amazing! Great summertime recipe!
Ok… this looks ridiculous. Our cilantro is out of control and here’s one more thing to make!! YUM! Pinned and buffering to share tomorrow.
xoxo
This looks great! We’ve been into salads lately, so I will have to try this one. Definitely loving the homemade dressing!
I happen to have a Mango waiting for this salad! This looks great!
Thanks for linking to the In and Out of the Kitchen Link Party! See you next week.
Cynthia
Ok.. I am all up and over drinking that Cilantro Lime Dressing. That looks delicious! Totally pinning this and buffering tomorrow. YUM!
That is my kind of salad!! Yummy.
This looks amazing! Pinning and can’t wait to try 🙂
This salad looks AMAZING! Thanks for linking it up with us on Wonderful Food Wednesday. I’m also going to link up to it in the next couple months on 52 Weeks of No-Repeat Meal Plans. Thanks for sharing. 😉
Lisa, you always have the most beautiful food!! I want to jump into that cilantro dressing!! 😉
This does look delicious. I read thru the ingredients…it is a recipe after my own heart (actual spices vs. mixes). The cilantro lime dressing looks divine (love love cilantro).
I’m not very technical and am still learning to use Pinterest…I was intrigued to read your comments and opinions (and wouldn’t that be a compliment, that comment from the new follower that made your day).
Lynaea @ EveryDayBloom
I saw your salad on Foodie Friday and wanted to drop by and take a closer look. You’ve used some of our favorite ingredients – black beans, mangos, corn, cilantro. And I love the idea of adding a bit of crunch on top with the crushed tortillas.
Hope you have a lovely weekend.
Sam
Ok, I am officially hungry now! Good looking salad! I saw it on the link party at Dessert Now, Dinner Later and had to take a look.
Love the salsa and the salad. great summer dish thanks for sharing it with us on foodie friday.
What a great summer salad! Thanks for linking up with What’s Cookin’ Wedneday!
that looks so yummy! Mangoes really make great salsa!
This is totally my kind of salad! Thanks for sharing at Sweet & Savory Saturdays #21!
~Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later!
You had me at mango with this beautiful salad, Lisa! 🙂 Whoa! Thank you so much for linking up with me this week at Tasty Tuesdays! I’ve pinned this & shared it with my followers! Please be sure to stop back by the party and check out some of the other links!
Wow…your salad looks really awesome! So bright and pretty. Thanks for linking up!
Oh Lisa… this sounds awesome! I am just eating salads again as my morning sickness begins to subside and I can’t wait to try this salad! Yum; featuring you this week! 🙂
Your salad looks wonderful… I’m so glad you came to share at Super Saturday Show & Tell last week. xoxo~ Ruthie
This looks delicious and beautiful pictures. Thanks for coming by Saturday Dishes.
Linda @ Tumbleweed Contessa
G’day! A very healthy, colorful dish Lisa!
Cheers! Joanne
Thanks for sharing at the Foodie Friends Friday Meals in 30 Minutes Party!
This sounds yummy. Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday Meals Under 30 Minute party and I hope you join us again this coming week.