Cowgirl Chicken Salad: A Zesty Tex-Mex Twist on the Classic
Charred corn sweetness and creamy barbecue-lime dressing make every scoop irresistible.
Cowgirl Chicken Salad: A Fresh Take on Tex-Mex Flavor
The Cowgirl Chicken Salad is a vibrant, hearty, and flavor-packed dish that brings a Tex-Mex twist to the classic chicken salad. Combining charred corn, black beans, crunchy peppers, creamy cheese, and juicy grilled chicken in a lively dressing, this recipe is perfect for lunches, entertaining, or meal prepping for the week.
It features satisfying textures, big flavors, and enough versatility to serve in various ways—scooped up with tortilla chips, loaded into lettuce cups, or sandwiched between rustic bread slices. This salad is as at home at a cookout as it is in your weekday lunchbox.
Why You’ll Love Cowgirl Chicken Salad
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The tangy dressing, smoky grilled chicken, and sweet corn create a bold, crave-worthy flavor profile.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy it for up to three days—a perfect make-ahead lunch or dinner.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as a dip with tortilla chips, a topping for greens, or a filling for a sandwich.
- Great Use of Leftovers: Brings new life to leftover grilled chicken or corn.
- All-Season Appeal: Use grilled fresh corn in summer or switch to frozen corn year-round.
What Is Cowgirl Chicken Salad?
Cowgirl Chicken Salad reinvents traditional chicken salad by leaning into Southwestern and Tex-Mex influences. Instead of the usual creamy, mild flavors, this salad packs in grilled corn, black beans, peppers, and fresh cilantro, all tied together with a *just-creamy-enough* dressing spiked with barbecue sauce, lime, and spices. Each bite gives you a little crunch, a lot of color, and tons of tasty surprises.
Key Features:
- Protein-Rich: Chunks of juicy, grilled chicken breasts
- Bright and Colorful: Red bell pepper, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime
- Hearty Add-Ins: Black beans, cheese, and charred corn for substance
- Lively Dressing: A light yet tangy sauce with a punch of cumin and barbecue flavor
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 3 (about 2 lbs) | Main protein, preferably grilled |
| Olive oil | 2 Tbsp (plus more for the grill) | For grilling and flavor |
| Seasoned salt | 2 tsp (divided) | Flavors chicken, corn, and dressing |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp (divided) | For seasoning at several stages |
| Fresh corn | 2 ears (or 1.5 cups frozen) | Charred for sweetness and texture |
| Red bell pepper | 1, chopped | Adds crunch and color |
| Red onion | 1/2, finely chopped | Bright bite |
| Black beans | 1 can (15 oz), drained/rinsed | Hearty, creamy, and satisfying |
| Pepper jack or cheddar cheese | 4 oz (1 cup), diced | Melty richness |
| Fresh cilantro | 1 cup, chopped | Herby freshness |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup | Base of the creamy dressing |
| Barbecue sauce | 1/4 cup | Smoky-sweet flavor booster |
| Dijon mustard | 1 Tbsp | Tangy complexity |
| Ground cumin | 1/2 tsp | Earthy warmth |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp | Base flavor |
| Lime (zest and juice) | 1 | Citrus pop |
| Hot sauce (optional) | To taste | Optional heat |
| Lettuce, bread, or tortilla chips | For serving | Your choice of base |
Step-By-Step Directions
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Season Chicken & Corn: Rub the chicken with 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp seasoned salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Coat ears of corn with 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp seasoned salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- Grill Chicken and Corn: Place chicken breasts on grill. Cook covered for about 6 minutes per side, or until well-marked and easily released from the grill. After flipping the chicken, add corn to the grill. Cook the corn, turning occasionally, until charred in spots and bright yellow, about 6 minutes.
- Rest and Chop: Let the chicken and corn cool slightly, then dice the chicken into bite-size pieces and slice the kernels off the cob.
- Prepare Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine bell pepper, onion, black beans, cheese, cilantro, the chopped chicken, and the corn kernels.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, cumin, garlic powder, lime zest and juice, hot sauce (if using), and remaining ½ tsp seasoned salt and ¼ tsp pepper.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently fold to thoroughly combine. Serve chilled or at room temperature with the serving option of your choice.
Serving Suggestions
- Scoop Up with Chips: Enjoy the Cowgirl Chicken Salad as a chunky dip with crispy tortilla chips for an interactive appetizer or lunch.
- Stuff Lettuce Cups: Spoon the salad into sturdy lettuce leaves for a lighter, low-carb option that lets the Tex-Mex flavors shine.
- Load a Sandwich: Fill hearty sandwich bread or a crusty roll with the salad for a filling grab-and-go meal.
- Pile it on Greens: Top a salad bowl of fresh romaine or spring mix for an easy Tex-Mex salad bowl.
Ingredient Variations & Substitutions
- Frozen Corn: If fresh corn isn’t available, use 1 1/2 cups of frozen kernels. Thaw, then sauté in a skillet with olive oil, seasoned salt, and pepper until starting to char (about 5–7 minutes).
- Protein Choices: Substitute cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken in a pinch for the grilled chicken breasts.
- Cheese Options: Use Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or cotija if you don’t have pepper jack or cheddar.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced jalapeños for heat, or use green onions for a milder flavor.
- Make it Spicier: Add more hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, or chopped chipotle peppers.
What others are reading
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
- Stays Fresh: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Leftovers Tip: If using pre-cooked or leftover chicken/corn, make sure those ingredients are still fresh—typically no more than three days old.
- Serving Later?: Keep the dressing and salad mix separate until just before eating for maximum crunch and freshness if preparing in advance.
- Custom Portions: Make the recipe in half or double it to suit different group sizes.
Make It Your Own: Creative Add-Ins
This salad is highly adaptable. Here are a few ways to put your personal stamp on it:
- Crunchy Tortilla Strips: Sprinkle on top for extra crunch.
- Avocado Slices: Add creaminess and color.
- Pickled Jalapeños or Onions: For tangy, spicy bursts.
- Sunflower Seeds: For nutty crunch and nutrition.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Dice and add for a hint of sweetness and extra substance.
Nutrition Snapshot
While exact nutritional values depend on ingredient brands and quantities used, Cowgirl Chicken Salad is a balanced meal with a solid boost of protein from chicken, fiber from black beans, vitamins from vegetables, and a modest dose of healthy fats from olive oil and mayonnaise. To lower calories or lighten the salad, use low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt in place of some mayonnaise, and increase the vegetable-to-chicken ratio.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Cowgirl Chicken Salad
- Char the Corn: Cooking corn on the grill or in a hot skillet until it starts to char gives a distinct smoky sweetness that defines the salad.
- Don’t Skip the Lime: Both zest and juice add brightness to balance the creamy dressing.
- Chop the Ingredients Evenly: Even, bite-sized pieces ensure every scoop is full of balanced flavors.
- Let Flavors Marinate: Let the finished salad chill for an hour (if possible) for best flavor melding.
- Serve Room Temp or Chilled: This salad tastes great cold or after warming slightly to take off the chill.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut. Just dice or shred the meat and add to the salad as you would grilled chicken.
What if I can’t grill the corn?
If grilling isn’t an option, use a hot cast-iron skillet. Sear the corn kernels in oil until browned and slightly charred, which delivers a similar flavor.
How long does Cowgirl Chicken Salad keep in the refrigerator?
It will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to three days. If using leftovers for the chicken or corn, consider those ingredients’ original prep dates to avoid spoilage.
Can I freeze Cowgirl Chicken Salad?
Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables may become watery or lose their texture when thawed.
How can I make it dairy-free?
Swap the cheese for a dairy-free variety or simply omit it. Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan version if needed.
Cowgirl Chicken Salad Recipe Card
Ingredients:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
- 2 ears corn (or 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 oz pepper jack or cheddar cheese (diced, about 1 cup)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (+ extra for grill/pan)
- 2 tsp seasoned salt (+ divided use)
- 1 tsp black pepper (+ divided use)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- Hot sauce to taste (optional)
- Lettuce, bread, or tortilla chips, for serving
Steps:
- Preheat grill or cast-iron pan to medium. Oil grill grates or pan.
- Rub chicken with 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp seasoned salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Rub corn with 1 Tbsp oil, 1/2 tsp seasoned salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- Grill chicken for 6 minutes per side; add corn after flipping chicken and cook both until chicken is done (165°F internal) and corn is charred.
- Let rest, then dice chicken and cut kernels from the corn.
- Combine chicken, corn, bell pepper, onion, beans, cheese, and cilantro in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, Dijon, cumin, garlic powder, lime zest/juice, hot sauce (if desired), and the rest of the salt and pepper.
- Fold the dressing into the chicken mixture. Serve with your favorite base.
Try More Tex-Mex Inspired Meals
- Southwestern Quinoa Salad
- Chipotle Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Black Bean and Avocado Dip
- Grilled Corn & Bean Salsa
Whether you’re looking for fresh inspiration for meal prep, a picnic favorite, or simply a bold salad for your next gathering, Cowgirl Chicken Salad delivers irresistible flavors, adaptability, and convenience. Get grilling, get chopping, and enjoy this Tex-Mex classic all year round!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a65037741/cowgirl-chicken-salad-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a9697/chicken-salad-the-way-i-like-it/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/g65793343/chicken-salad-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/cowgirl-food/
- https://www.aol.com/cowgirl-chicken-salad-only-lunch-130000421.html
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