South Of The Border Chicken Salad
A vibrant, flavorful chicken salad with fresh tomatoes, red onion, crunchy jicama, and cilantro, perfect for a light, refreshing meal with a zesty lime dressing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked and diced chicken, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, diced jicama, chopped cilantro, and lime juice.
- Toss everything together well to coat evenly.
- Garnish with sliced avocado, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and cilantro for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you don’t have jicama, you can substitute it with diced cucumber for a similar crunch. For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder. This salad is versatile and can also be served in wraps or as a topping for tacos.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a side of tortilla chips or corn on the cob. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside grilled corn or as a filling for quesadillas. This dish is refreshing and perfect for warm weather gatherings, making it a great addition to any outdoor barbecue.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat to maintain moisture without cooking it further. Avoid reheating the salad if it contains avocado, as it may brown and change texture; instead, add fresh avocado just before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of South Of The Border Chicken Salad contains roughly 162 calories, with 12g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1872mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor. Just ensure it's cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients to maintain the salad's freshness.
What can I substitute for cilantro if I don't like it?
If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or omit it entirely. For a different flavor profile, try adding chopped fresh basil or mint to the salad.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad works well for meal prep! Just keep the avocado separate until ready to eat to prevent browning. You can mix all other ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).