Black Bean Chicken Salad

This black bean chicken salad redefines what it means to eat salad. With shredded chicken, black beans, fresh veggies and a zippy vinaigrette, it’s like a deconstructed burrito—a hearty twist on boring, “good-for-you” salads. It’s satisfying enough to count as dinner, yet light enough that you won’t need a nap afterward. And it’s endlessly customizable: Turn things up with other vegetables, different meats, extra beans or your favorite dressing (chipotle ranch, anyone?). Turns out, salad can be the best thing on the table.

Ingredients for Black Bean Chicken Salad

• Lettuce: Any leafy green will work, but romaine and green leaf lettuces hold up beautifully under all the toppings. Cutting up a whole head of lettuce always tastes better than using the bagged variety, but we would never fault you for using precut greens for ease.
• Chicken breast: Cooked and cubed chicken breast provides lean protein for this salad. This is the time to use the best rotisserie chicken you can find.
• Black beans: A can of rinsed and drained black beans adds taste and texture. Their creaminess, fiber and earthy flavors balance the greens.
• Tomatoes: Garden-fresh tomatoes in the salad and vinaigrette keep things juicy.
• Green pepper: Crunchy and mildly sweet, chopped green pepper gives a pop of color and texture.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds sharpness and a little bite.
• Cheddar cheese: A sprinkle of cheddar, whether grated yourself or pulled from a bag of one of the best cheddar cheese brands, brings just the right amount of salty, creamy richness to balance all the fresh crunch.
• Lime vinaigrette: The zippy dressing is made with fresh cilantro, tomato, cider vinegar, olive oil, lime juice and zest, garlic, salt, pepper and chili powder.

Directions

Step 1: Toss the salad ingredients

In a large serving bowl, combine the lettuce, chicken, black beans, tomatoes, green pepper, red onion and shredded cheese.

Step 2: Make the vinaigrette

In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro, tomato, vinegar, olive oil, lime juice and zest, garlic, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Cover and process until smooth.

Editor’s Tip: Taste as you go and adjust the lime juice or salt to your liking because everyone has their own preferred level of zip.

Step 3: Dress the salad

Pour the blended vinaigrette over the salad and toss until everything is nicely coated.

Black Bean Chicken Salad Variations

• Switch up the dressing: Try ranch, honey mustard, chipotle honey dressing or even a creamy avocado dressing instead of the lime vinaigrette. Each one gives the salad a different personality.
• Go wild with toppings: Add crushed tortilla chips, corn, avocado slices, pickled jalapenos or a sprinkle of Cotija cheese. A drizzle of sour cream also makes it extra decadent. Roasted corn, smoked paprika and a dollop of salsa or guacamole add more Southwest vibes.
• Make it veggie: Skip the chicken and bump up the peppers for a fantastic veggie option.

How to Store Black Bean Chicken Salad

Store leftover black bean chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you suspect you’ll have leftovers, store the dressing separately so your greens don’t get soggy.

How long does black bean chicken salad last?

Dressed black bean chicken salad lasts up to three days in the fridge. Without dressing, it can last even longer (though cooked chicken should be consumed within four days).

Can you make black bean chicken salad ahead of time?

To make this chicken and black bean salad ahead of time, make the vinaigrette and store it in a glass jar with a tight lid for up to one week. Prep the greens, vegetables and chicken, and store them all separately. When it’s time to serve the salad, just toss everything together.

Black Bean Chicken Salad Tips

What’s the best way to cook chicken for black bean chicken salad?

Moist and flavorful chicken is always the best chicken, whether it’s grilled, poached or roasted. Use grilled lime chicken, slow-cooker shredded chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken in this black bean chicken salad.

What can you serve with black bean chicken salad?

Black bean chicken salad is a meal by itself, but you can round out a larger spread with warm Mexican cornbread, crispy tortilla chips and homemade guacamole.