It’s no secret to anyone that I am clearly not a food photographer, and certainly not a food blogger! However, I just took a break from editing to whip up some lunch and decided to share a very loose “recipe” of one of our favorites!

This Southwest Chicken Salad is one I threw together on a whim years ago and has become a favorite, especially on those warm summer days when you just want something light and refreshing to eat! It is so easy to put together and versatile enough to make it your own! We personally like to eat it with tortilla chips or crackers, but it would even be good in a tortilla or as a quesadilla!

Mmmm, I’m gonna have to try that

Because this recipe is so easy and yields a good amount, I love making it for get-togethers and have even made it for baby and wedding showers! It is always a big hit and I’m often asked for a recipe. Now this fan-favorite will have it’s own place on the blog and I’ll know where to send them! 😉

This recipe is very loosely put together. As in, I never measure anything. Yes, I’m one of those cooks. I just wing it and taste to test until it hits the spot! Feel free to tweak anything, throw in your own additions (I love adding chopped black olives but sometimes we have to make sacrifices for our spouse), or remove whatever you don’t like! Here’s just how I most often make it for us!

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EASY SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SALAD

• Two cans of chunk chicken breast (I buy this)
• 3/4 cup (approx.) of Mayonnaise
• Lime Juice
• 1/2 can of Black Beans
• 1/2 can of Corn (Pro Tip: use the leftover beans and corn for taco bowls!)
• 1 Roma Tomato, finely chopped
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, finely chopped
• 1 small can Chopped Black Olives (optional)

APPROX 1/2 TBSP OF THE FOLLOWING SEASONINGS:

• Salt/Pepper
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Cayenne Pepper
• Onion Powder
• Garlic Powder
• Dried Cilantro Leaves

Because I am easily grossed out by the canned chicken (why is it pink!?) I like to drain the chicken before pouring into a medium size microwaveable safe bowl, break up the chunks with a fork, sprinkle with salt/pepper and onion powder, then pop it into the microwave for 1.5-2 minutes. This isn’t necessary, but it is for me. HA!

Once the chicken is done, use the fork to break the chunks into more shredded pieces. From there I add all of the ingredients and seasonings into the bowl, give it a few good stirs, and to taste to test! Once I’m happy with it I pop it into the fridge for a few minutes to get chilled then serve with tortilla chips! Easy peasy!

If you try it, let me know what you think! And if you like this kind of post, let me know that too!! We cook dinner most nights in our house and I’d be happy to share more recipes of our go-to easy meals!