This Dairy-free Southwest Chicken Salad is a fresh and flavor-packed recipe for those busy days when you need something quick, healthy, and totally satisfying. It’s the ultimate easy meal—packed with protein, bursting with bold flavors, and completely gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free. Plus, with a simple swap, you can make it egg-free too!
This recipe is my kind of meal: minimal effort, maximum flavor. The creamy, taco-seasoned dressing coats tender bites of chicken, crisp corn, hearty black beans, and fresh pico de gallo for a southwest-inspired dish that’s anything but boring. Not only that, it’s perfect for meal prep, a quick lunch, or even stuffing into lettuce wraps for an easy dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Dairy-Free Southwest Chicken Salad
✔️ Quick & Easy – No complicated steps here. Just mix everything together and boom—done!
✔️ High Protein – Chicken + black beans = a satisfying meal that keeps you full.
✔️ Customizable – Keep it egg-free by swapping the mayo for a dairy-free, egg-free version, or use mashed avocado for a creamy, whole-food option.
✔️ Meal Prep-Friendly – Stays fresh in the fridge, making it a lifesaver for busy days.
Let’s Talk Ingredients
- Chicken Breast – Rubbed with my blackened chicken seasoning, then cooked and chopped, this makes the salad flavorful and protein-packed. You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for even less work.
- Canned Corn – Adds sweetness and crunch. Be sure to drain it well. I prefer fire-roasted canned corn if you can find it for a little more flavor.
- Canned Black Beans – A great plant-based protein boost! Rinse and drain to remove extra sodium.
- Pico de Gallo – A shortcut to flavor! This fresh mix of tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and lime juice adds the perfect zing.
- Cilantro – Because fresh herbs = extra flavor. Skip it if you’re not a fan.
- Garlic Salt – A little seasoning magic that makes everything taste better.
- Mayo – The key to that creamy texture. I save money by using my homemade 5-minute Mayo for this. But, Primal Kitchen is a great whole food option available at Walmart, Target, and Costco. Need egg-free? Use a dairy-free, egg-free version if needed.
- Taco Seasoning – Brings those classic southwest flavors with just a sprinkle. I save money by using my Homemade Taco Seasoning.
- Lime Juice – Brightens it all up and ties the flavors together.
How to Make Dairy-free Southwest Chicken Salad
First, I make and chop the blackened chicken. It’s worth the extra step for the added flavor, but you can use regular chopped chicken instead. Then, I add the drained corn, drained and rinsed black beans, pico de gallo, cilantro, and garlic salt.
Next, in a small mixing bowl, I whisk together the mayo, taco seasoning, and lime juice. Then, add the mayo mixture to the chicken mixture. Stir until well combined, then serve and enjoy! See below for ideas on how to serve it.
How to Serve It
This Dairy-Free Southwest Chicken Salad is super versatile! For instance, here are a few easy ways to enjoy it:
- On its own – Grab a fork and dig in!
- In a lettuce wrap – For a fresh, low-carb option.
- With tortilla chips – A fun, snacky way to enjoy it.
- Stuffed into a wrap – Use your favorite gluten-free tortilla for a grab-and-go meal.
- Over greens – Turn it into a loaded salad with extra veggies.
Make-Ahead Tips
My Dairy-free Southwest Chicken Salad stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep. In addition, if prepping ahead, add the lime juice right before serving to keep the flavors fresh.
In summary, this recipe is simple, delicious, and packed with all the southwest flavors you love. Therefore, this Dairy-Free Southwest Chicken Salad is a must-try! By the way, let me know how you serve it in the comments!
More Quick & Easy Lunch Options
We love a nutritious and delicious whole food lunch option! So, here are some others that pack up great for a road trip, work lunch, or dinner between games – 10 Whole30 Cold Lunches.
Dairy-free Southwest Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken chopped into 1/2" cubes; an easy store-bought option, though I prefer the homemade blackened chicken, below
- 1 cup canned corn drained
- 1 cup canned black beans drained and rinsed
- 1.5 cups pico de gallo about 16 ounces
- 1/2 cup cilantro finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 medium lime
Instructions
- First, make and chop the blackened chicken. It's worth the extra step for the added flavor, but you can use regular chopped chicken instead.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the drained corn, drained and rinsed black beans, pico de gallo, cilantro, and garlic salt.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayo, taco seasoning, and lime juice.
- Add the mayo mixture to the chicken mixture. Stir until well combined, then serve and enjoy!
- Stays good in the fridge for up to 5 days. See blog post above for ideas on how to serve it.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Blackened Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut in half horizontally or cut into strips
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all the spices together.
- If using a grill, preheat grill to 450. If using the stove, place a large saucepan over high heat.
- Rub mixed spices onto chicken breast, trying to get it on all sides and as even as possible. Spray or lightly coat skillet, if using stove, with oil/cooking spray.
- STOVE: Place chicken in the pan. Don't move for 5 minutes - the high heat will create the "blackened" effect of this chicken. Flip over and cook on high heat for another 5 minutes. If using a thicker chicken breast and still not cooked through, reduce to medium heat and cook covered for 5 more minutes, until no longer pink in the middle.
- GRILL: Cook 5-6 minutes on each side, to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- AIRFRYER: Cook at 350 for 7-8 minutes, flipping or stirring once.
- Chicken is done when no longer pink in the middle and time will vary based on the thickness of the chicken you are using.
Another winner! I love how fast this came together and that my family enjoyed it and asked that it be added to the rotation. I count on you for whole food recipes that kids will actually eat- you’ve never let me down!
YESSS! I love that you find my recipes truly kid-friendly! That’s such an awesome compliment. I’m happy this one is going on the rotation and was quick and delicious. Thank you for the glowing review!
This was really easy to put together and really delish!! Could I sub Greek yogurt for part of the mayo? I wasn’t sure if that would change the taste too much? Just thought I’d ask!
I’m so happy you tried and loved this recipe! Good question on the greek yogurt, but I can’t really weigh in on that one without trying it. Let me know if you do!
This was such a great dinner on a hot summer day. Thank you!
YESSSS that this hit the spot for a hot summer night—easy, fresh dinners are the best this time of year! Grateful you gave it a try. Thanks so much for the review!
Easy and tasty dinner! Toss it on lettuce and open a bag of chips and dinner is done! Thank you!
BOOM, lunch or dinner can be that easy! Love it. So happy you enjoyed it and found it super simple and good. Thank you!