Are you ready to transform your boring lunch into a mouthwatering culinary adventure? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this vibrant Bell Pepper Chicken Salad that's about to become your new obsession! Packed with colorful bell peppers, tender chicken, and a zesty lime kick, this recipe is not just a salad – it's a celebration of fresh, bold flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're looking for a quick meal prep option or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this recipe is your ultimate solution to delicious, nutritious eating!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup corn, cooked
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by thoroughly washing the bell peppers and cilantro under cool running water.
- If using freshly cooked chicken, allow it to cool to room temperature, then shred using two forks or chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the red and yellow bell peppers into uniform small cubes, approximately 1/4 inch in size to ensure consistent texture.
- Finely chop the red onion and cilantro, ensuring pieces are small and evenly distributed.
- Drain and rinse the black beans under cold water to remove excess sodium, then pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced bell peppers, red onion, corn, and black beans.
- Add freshly chopped cilantro to the mixture for additional flavor and freshness.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the salad, ensuring even distribution.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, gently tossing all ingredients to combine.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve chilled as a light meal or refreshing side dish.
Tips
- Maximize Flavor: For the most delicious results, use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken that's still slightly warm when shredding.
- Pepper Perfection: Choose bell peppers that are firm and vibrant in color for the best crunch and flavor profile.
- Chill for Intensity: The secret to an amazing chicken salad is letting it rest in the refrigerator. The extra 15-20 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to add extra protein like diced avocado or swap cilantro with fresh parsley if you're not a fan.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over a bed of mixed greens, stuff into a wrap, or enjoy as a standalone dish for a light and refreshing meal.
- Keep it Fresh: For the brightest flavor, add the lime juice and cilantro just before serving to maintain their vibrant taste and color.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg
