Creating your Southwestern Chicken Salad is straightforward when you follow these easy steps:

1. Cook the Chicken: If you haven’t done so already, grill or pan-cook the chicken breast until cooked through. This usually takes about 15 minutes. Allow it to cool and then shred into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken is cooking, chop the red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and avocado into small pieces. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
3. Combine Beans and Corn: Add the black beans and corn to the mixing bowl with the other veggies.
4. Add Shredded Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked and shredded, add it to the bowl with your veggies.
5. Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and give everything a gentle toss to ensure it’s evenly mixed and coated.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Top the salad with diced avocado, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro for extra flavor.

By following these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious Southwestern Chicken Salad ready in no time!