I love chicken salad, but I really could do without all that mayo. As delicious as it is, I don’t need all those calories! That is why I love this lightened up chicken salad.
I feel no guilt when gobbling this up for lunch, dinner, or as a hearty snack. And it is SO easy to make – no stove top, oven, or microwave involved!
The biggest flavor contributor to this chicken salad is the fresh pico de gallo. You can make your own if you have a favorite recipe, but I typically take advantage of having a shortcut and buy my pico de gallo. Many grocery stores have fresh pico de gallo available in the produce section, and it is delicious!
My other shortcut for this recipe is having cooked chicken on hand. I will typically cook up some chicken from time to time, cut it up, and freeze it to use in recipes that call for cooked chicken. It is cheaper than buying pre-cooked chicken and it is really easy to do. However, you could also use canned chicken if you have it in your pantry.
My Slow Cooker Whole Chicken is a great recipe that will not only serve as your dinner one night, but then the leftovers can be used in this chicken salad recipe. I really love it because it is the easiest way I have found to get tender, juicy chicken every time! And the tasty leftovers from that chicken work really well in this recipe.
I love how fresh and delicious this recipe turns out, with amazing flavor! It is an ideal summer salad to serve, especially on those hot days when there is no way you want to turn on that oven. Serve it over lettuce, in a wrap, or just eat it straight out of the bowl!
Fiesta Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cooked (shredded chicken)
- 1/2 cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (can be thawed from frozen)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- 1/3 cup fat free Greek yogurt (or fat free sour cream)
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, beans, corn, cilantro, and pico de gallo.
- In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, taco seasoning, and lime juice.
- Add the yogurt mixture to the chicken mixture and toss to coat.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or more to let the flavors set.
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Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
What a great bright and tasty recipe that doesn’t take long to make. All my favorite favors too! I’m obsessed with all things Mexican flavored!!
Diane says
This fiesta salad looks really delicious. You sold me with the No mayo version and pico de Gayo. Loving this flavor combo!
Melissa Vera says
My husband makes the best pico de gallo. Never would have thought to add chicken to it. Thanks for linking up this week on #HomeMattersParty hope you will come back next week and link up again.
Karly says
Wishing I had this for lunch! Thanks for linking up with What’s Cookin’ Wednesday!
Bernadette says
Kristin, you must be a mind reader! I have cooked chicken defrosting in the fridge, and I was wondering what I would do with it. Now I know! Thanks so much for another great recipe.
Kristin King says
Wow, that is so funny! Hope you guys like it! BTW, you can also add chopped bell pepper to this and it is delicious. I forgot to mention that in my post. Thanks for stopping by, your comments always brighten my day! 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama says
This is such a tasty way to change up traditional chicken salad! 🙂 I love the flavors in this!
Erica S says
I love this salad! It’s so colorful and sounds so tasty, and then it’s healthy too. Just perfect Kristin!
Renee@Renee's Kitchen Adventures says
What a great looking recipe! I’ll be making this soon!
Sarah says
This would be perfect for my work lunches ! Great recipe Kristin!
Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads says
I love all these flavors! Looks like a perfect lunch for me! Great recipe!
Jessica (Savory Experiments) says
Beautiful salad! I can’t wait to try it!
Malia @ Small Town Girl says
Yummy! Great idea! Pinned 🙂
Meagan says
This looks AMAZING! Definitely going on my list for dinners. Looks wonderful and so good for these hot summer days too. My husband will even like this one.