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Zesty Chicken and Bean Salad

Zesty Chicken and Bean Salad is a delightful blend of tender chicken, vibrant beans, and fresh veggies, all tossed in a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for summer barbecues or family dinners, this salad is not only visually appealing but also easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, you’ll love the explosion of flavors in every bite!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup fresh corn (or frozen)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1. Cook the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool slightly before dicing.
  2. 2. Prepare the veggies: While the chicken cooks, chop the red bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, rinse the black beans and drain the corn. Combine all veggies in a large mixing bowl.
  3. 3. Whisk dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. 4. Combine ingredients: Add diced chicken to the veggie bowl and pour dressing over everything. Toss gently to coat.
  5. 5. Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: For added flavor, marinate the chicken prior to cooking. Substitute black beans with chickpeas or add diced avocado for creaminess. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the salad just before serving for an extra zing!