Description
A vibrant and flavorful Mexican Chicken Chopped Salad featuring tender chicken breast, fresh vegetables, black beans, corn, and a zesty spiced lime dressing. This easy-to-make salad combines crunchy tortilla strips and shredded cheddar cheese for a perfect balance of textures, making it an ideal light lunch or dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
- 1 cup Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup tortilla strips
Dressing & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast Spices: Heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat, then add the chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Stir the spices for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. Remove the pan from heat and set the spice mixture aside to cool.
- Prepare Chicken: Chop the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop the Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl. Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the lettuce. Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the mixing bowl. Add the corn kernels, black beans, and roughly chopped cilantro to the bowl.
- Add Cheese and Tortilla Strips: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and tortilla strips into the bowl alongside the vegetables and chicken.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the lime juice and the cooled spice mixture over the salad.
- Toss and Season: Toss all the ingredients gently to combine. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving for best freshness.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use freshly cooked and shredded chicken for the best texture and flavor.
- The tortilla strips add crunch but can be omitted or substituted with nuts for gluten-free options.
- This salad is best served fresh; avoid prepping too far in advance to maintain crispness.
- You can replace cheddar cheese with a Mexican blend or omit to make it dairy-free.
