Zesty Chicken, Black Bean, and Corn Salad with Creamy Chipotle Dressing
Indulge in this vibrant Zesty Chicken, Black Bean, and Corn Salad featuring tender grilled chicken cubes, hearty black beans, and sweet corn, all tossed together with fresh cilantro and roasted red peppers. This dish is elevated with a creamy chipotle dressing that adds a smoky, spicy kick, perfectly complementing the natural flavors of the salad. Serve it elegantly in avocado halves for a nutritious and visually appealing meal that's perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or a quick weeknight dinner. Prep it in under 30 minutes and chill for an hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that's sure to impress family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Black Beans
1 (15 1/2 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
Corn
1 cup (cut from about 2 ears)
Grilled Chicken Breasts
2 lbs (cubed)
Fresh Cilantro
1/4 cup (minced, washed well and spun dry)
Roasted Red Peppers or Pimiento
1/4 cup (minced, bottled)
Plain Yogurt
1/2 cup
Avocados
3 (halved and pitted)
Chipotle Chile in Adobo Sauce
1 (minced)
Adobo Sauce
1/2 teaspoon
Worcestershire Sauce
2 teaspoons
Mayonnaise
1 cup
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the salad base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed black beans, corn kernels, cubed grilled chicken, minced cilantro, and roasted red peppers. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients evenly and set aside.
2
Next, prepare the creamy chipotle dressing: Mince the chipotle chile until it forms a paste. In a separate small bowl, mix together the plain yogurt, mayonnaise, the chipotle paste, adobo sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined and smooth.
3
Pour the chipotle dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently until everything is coated evenly. For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
4
When ready to serve, slice the avocados in half and remove the pits. Spoon generous portions of the chicken salad mixture into each avocado half. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is a Zesty Chicken, Black Bean, and Corn Salad with a Creamy Chipotle Dressing.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
The salad can be prepped in under 30 minutes, plus one hour of chilling time.
What type of chicken should be used?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of grilled chicken breasts, cubed.
How should the salad be served for an elegant presentation?
It is recommended to serve the chicken salad elegantly inside avocado halves.
What are the ingredients for the chipotle dressing?
The dressing is made from plain yogurt, mayonnaise, chipotle paste, adobo sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
How do I prepare the chipotle chile?
Mince the chipotle chile until it forms a smooth paste before mixing it into the dressing.
How much corn is needed for this recipe?
You will need 1 cup of corn, which is approximately the amount cut from 2 ears.
Should the black beans be processed before adding them to the bowl?
Yes, the black beans should be drained and rinsed before being combined with other ingredients.
How long should the salad chill in the refrigerator?
The salad should chill for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I use pimientos instead of roasted red peppers?
Yes, the recipe allows for either bottled roasted red peppers or pimiento.
What is the recommended amount of cilantro?
Use 1/4 cup of minced fresh cilantro that has been washed well and spun dry.
How many avocados are required for serving?
The recipe uses 3 avocados, which are halved and pitted to create 6 serving boats.
Is this recipe suitable for summer barbecues?
Yes, it is described as perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or quick weeknight dinners.
What gives the salad its smoky and spicy kick?
The smoky flavor comes from the chipotle chile in adobo sauce used in the dressing.
How much Worcestershire sauce is used in the dressing?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce.
What size can of black beans is used?
Use one 15.5 ounce can of black beans.
What kind of yogurt is best for the dressing?
The recipe specifies using plain yogurt.
How should I mix the dressing and the salad base?
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
What is the first step in preparing the salad base?
Combine the black beans, corn, chicken, cilantro, and roasted red peppers in a large mixing bowl.
How much adobo sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of adobo sauce.
Is mayonnaise included in the dressing?
Yes, 1 cup of mayonnaise is used to help create the creamy texture.
Should I cover the salad while it chills?
Yes, cover the bowl with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator.
How much grilled chicken is required?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of grilled chicken.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal since the active preparation takes less than 30 minutes.
How do I prepare the avocado for serving?
Slice the avocados in half and remove the pits, then spoon the mixture into the centers.
What should I do with the corn before adding it to the salad?
The corn should be cut from the ears to yield about 1 cup of kernels.
Can this salad be served immediately?
While it can be served immediately, chilling it for an hour is recommended for the best flavor.
What is the texture of the dressing?
The dressing is creamy and smooth once the yogurt, mayo, and spices are mixed.
Are the red peppers fresh or bottled?
The recipe suggests using bottled minced roasted red peppers.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total in this recipe.