Looking for a fresh, flavorful salad that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep? This Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad combines rotisserie chicken with zesty ranch seasoning, smoky black beans, sweet corn, and a hint of spicy jalapeño for a delicious Tex-Mex twist! Tossed in a creamy, tangy ranch-lime dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in just minutes and tastes even better after chilling. If you love the bold Southwest flavors in this salad, you’ll definitely want to try my Crockpot Southwest Chicken recipe next!

Bowl of Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad with a wooden spoon in it on a wooden table from overhead.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Part of the ease of this recipe is using rotisserie chicken. It is already cooked and ready to go! Simply shred it, then dice it up. Leftover shredded chicken would work well, too!
Dry Ranch Seasoning: I season the chicken with dry ranch seasoning as well as use it in the dressing. I have a wonderful homemade ranch seasoning mix you can use!
Black Beans: Black beans add a nice, hearty texture and a boost of protein to this salad. Make sure you rinse and drain them before using. If you don’t have black beans, you can swap them for pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas.
Corn: Sweet corn kernels give this salad a fresh, crunchy bite. You can use canned, frozen (thawed), or fresh corn on the cob. (Try my grilled corn on the cob for extra flavor!)
Green Chiles: Canned diced green chiles add a mild, slightly smoky flavor without making the salad too spicy. Make sure to drain them well before mixing them in. If you don’t have green chiles, you can use chopped mild banana peppers or a few spoonfuls of your favorite salsa verde for a similar flavor boost.
Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper adds a sweet crunch and a bright pop of color. You can use orange or yellow bell pepper instead, whatever you have on hand works!
Jalapeño Peppers: Fresh jalapeño adds just the right amount of heat to balance the creamy dressing and sweet corn. Remove the seeds for less spice, or leave a few in if you like things hotter. Want a milder option? Swap in diced poblano pepper or skip it altogether for a no-heat version.
Dressing: The creamy dressing is made with mayonnaise, sour cream, dry ranch seasoning, and lime juice. It is the perfect coating on the chicken and vegetable mix! Every bite is cool, creamy, and packed with southwest flavor!

Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad on a plate on a wooden table.

What Can I Use Instead of Mayonnaise or Sour Cream in Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad?

If you want a lighter or healthier option, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for mayonnaise or sour cream. It keeps the salad creamy while adding a bit of tang and extra protein.

Can I Make Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely! In fact, I think all of the flavors come together much better after it has chilled for a while! Just cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, or up to a day in advance. It’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or when you need a quick grab-and-go lunch.

Is This Salad Spicy?

It has a mild kick from the jalapeño and green chiles, but you can easily adjust the heat by using less jalapeño or skipping it altogether. The rest of the ingredients are creamy and cooling, so the spice stays balanced.

Close up of Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad on a fork.

How Do You Serve Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad?

This salad is incredibly versatile! Serve it chilled on its own, scoop it up with homemade tortilla chips (my favorite way), or pile it into lettuce wraps, sandwich rolls, or flour tortillas for easy wraps. It also makes a great topping for nachos or a hearty filling for meal prep bowls. Whether serving it for lunch, dinner, or a party, it’s a flavorful and satisfying option.

How To Store Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and tasty for up to 3 to 4 days. Give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may thicken or settle a bit while chilled. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy it within a few days.