Healthy, High-Protein Cowboy Caviar Chicken Salad: A High-Protein, Flavor-Packed Meal

Makes: 5 Servings
Per Serving: 18g Protein | 208 Cal

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a colorful, nutrient-dense dish that’s as satisfying as it is versatile, this Healthy Cowboy Caviar Chicken Salad is about to become your new go-to. Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, crisp vegetables, and zesty flavors, this recipe is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or a quick lunch you can throw together in under 20 minutes. It’s essentially a high-protein twist on classic cowboy caviar, with the addition of shredded chicken to make it a complete, filling meal.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Cowboy Caviar Chicken Salad

1. High in Protein: With 18 grams of protein per serving, this recipe helps keep you full while supporting muscle repair and recovery.

2. Balanced and Nutrient-Dense: You’ll get fiber from the black beans and corn, vitamins from the colorful veggies, and healthy fats from avocado.

3. Quick and Easy: Minimal cooking is required. Most of the prep is just chopping fresh veggies.

4. Meal-Prep Friendly: This salad lasts well in the fridge for 2–3 days, making it perfect for busy weeks.

5. Versatile: Serve it as a salad, dip, taco filling, or wrap—it works for lunch, dinner, or a healthy snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this vibrant salad:

• 1 container Trader Joe’s Salsa Verde Pulled Chicken Breast
  (Optional: sub with 3 cups shredded chicken + 1 can of green chilis or ½ jar salsa verde)

• 3 bell peppers (any color)

• 1 ½ cups corn (frozen fire roasted works perfectly)

• 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)

• ½ red onion (finely chopped)

• ½ large English cucumber (for extra crunch)

• ½ avocado (diced)

• ½ jalapeño (optional, for heat)

• Juice of 1 lime

• 2 tablespoons honey (adds the perfect hint of sweetness)

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Step-By-Step Directions

1. Chop the Veggies: Using a knife or a vegetable chopper, dice bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, avocado, and jalapeño (if using) into small, even pieces.

2. Combine the Base: In a large mixing bowl, add your shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and chopped veggies.

3. Make the Dressing: Squeeze in the lime juice, drizzle in the honey, and sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Mix It Up: Gently toss everything together until fully combined.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy it immediately as a fresh salad or serve with tortilla chips for a fun dip option.

Nutritional Breakdown

This recipe makes 5 generous servings. Here’s the breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 208

• Protein: 18g

• Carbs: 27g

• Fat: 3g

This low-fat, high-protein profile makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to eat balanced meals that support weight management or muscle-building goals.

The veggie chopper I use and love! Post has affiliate links!

FAQs

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

  Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add an extra can of beans or chickpeas.

• How long does this salad last in the fridge?

  It will keep for 2–3 days in an airtight container. Add avocado right before serving for best freshness.

• Can I freeze this recipe?

  Freezing isn’t recommended due to the fresh vegetables and avocado.

• Can I swap the honey?

  Yes, you can use agave or maple syrup, or omit it for a less sweet version.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

  Yes, as long as your salsa verde and spices are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Cowboy Caviar Chicken Salad is proof that eating high-protein, macro-friendly meals doesn’t have to be boring. It’s colorful, customizable, and perfect for meal prep or last-minute dinners. Whether you serve it as a salad, a dip, or a wrap, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your weekly rotation.

If you try this recipe, let me know your favorite way to serve it! And if you’re always on the hunt for simple, protein-packed meals, bookmark this one—you’ll come back to it again and again.

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Healthy, High-Protein Cowboy Caviar Chicken Salad

Yield: 5

Author: Ashley aka The Protein Snack Queen

Prep time: 15 MinTotal time: 15 Min

This Healthy Cowboy Caviar Chicken Salad is the perfect high-protein, flavor-packed meal for busy days. Featuring shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and a colorful mix of crisp vegetables tossed in a zesty lime and honey dressing, it’s fresh, satisfying, and versatile. Enjoy it as a salad, scoop it with tortilla chips, or wrap it up for a quick lunch. At only 208 calories and 18g of protein per serving, it’s a nutrient-dense option you’ll keep coming back to.

Ingredients

• 1 container Trader Joe’s Salsa Verde Pulled Chicken Breast (Optional: sub with 3 cups shredded chicken + 1 can of green chilis or ½ jar salsa verde)
• 3 bell peppers (any color)
• 1 ½ cups corn (frozen fire roasted works perfectly)
• 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
• ½ red onion (finely chopped)
• ½ large English cucumber (for extra crunch)
• ½ avocado (diced)
• ½ jalapeño (optional, for heat)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons honey (adds the perfect hint of sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Chop the Veggies: Using a knife or a vegetable chopper, dice bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, avocado, and jalapeño (if using) into small, even pieces.
2. Combine the Base: In a large mixing bowl, add your shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and chopped veggies.
3. Make the Dressing: Squeeze in the lime juice, drizzle in the honey, and sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix It Up: Gently toss everything together until fully combined.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy it immediately as a fresh salad or serve with tortilla chips for a fun dip option.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

208

Fat

3 g

Carbs

27 g

Protein

18 g

Nutrition info is based off of estimates. They are calculated by taking the ingredients in this recipe and dividing them by the number of servings.