๐๐ฅ Chicken and Black Bean Salad: A Protein-Packed Power Bowl! ๐ฅ๐
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!Looking for a fresh, healthy, and satisfying meal thatโs ready in minutes? This Chicken and Black Bean Salad is your new go-to recipe! Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and vibrant veggies, itโs perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Plus, itโs gluten-free, easy to customize, and bursting with flavor. Letโs dive in! ๐ฉโ๐ณ๐จโ๐ณ
Why Youโll Love This Recipe โค๏ธ
- Quick & easy: Ready in just 15 minutes!
- Healthy & filling: Loaded with protein, fiber, and fresh veggies.
- Meal-prep friendly: Stays fresh in the fridge for days.
- Versatile: Swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients Youโll Need ๐
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!) ๐
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained ๐ซ
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved ๐
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) ๐ฝ
- 1 avocado, diced ๐ฅ
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped ๐ง
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped ๐ฟ
- 1 lime, juiced ๐
- 2 tbsp olive oil ๐ข๏ธ
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder ๐ถ๏ธ
- Salt and pepper to taste ๐ง
- Optional: shredded cheese, tortilla chips, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for serving ๐ง
Step-by-Step Instructions ๐
- Prep Your Ingredients
Dice the cooked chicken, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the red onion, and dice the avocado. Rinse and drain the black beans. - Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside. - Combine the Salad
In a large bowl, toss together the chicken, black beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, and cilantro. Gently fold in the diced avocado. - Add the Dressing
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well-coated. - Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately as is, or add your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. Dig in! ๐ฝ๏ธ
Tips for Success ๐
- Use rotisserie chicken: Itโs a time-saver and adds great flavor.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the salad (without avocado) and store in the fridge. Add avocado and dressing just before serving.
- Add a kick: Toss in some diced jalapeรฑos or a dash of hot sauce for spice.
- Customize it: Swap black beans for kidney beans, add bell peppers, or use quinoa for extra protein.
Nutritional Benefits ๐ฑ
- Chicken: High-quality protein to keep you full and energized.
- Black beans: Rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
- Avocado: Packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and creaminess.
- Veggies: Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Serving Suggestions ๐ด
- As a meal: Enjoy it on its own for a light yet filling lunch or dinner.
- With extras: Serve with tortilla chips, over a bed of greens, or in a wrap.
- For meal prep: Divide into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Final Thoughts โจ
This Chicken and Black Bean Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and nutritious dish thatโs perfect for any occasion. Whether youโre meal prepping for the week or need a quick dinner, this salad has you covered. Itโs a crowd-pleaser thatโs as delicious as it is healthy! ๐
Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below. Donโt forget to share your photos on social media and tag us! ๐ธโจ
Happy cooking! ๐ณโค๏ธ
Recipe inspired by love for fresh, healthy, and easy meals.