Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad
If you love bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and easy meal prep, this Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad is the perfect dish for you! Packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant vegetables, this salad is a great choice for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week. The combination of seasoned chicken, creamy ranch dressing, crunchy tortilla chips, and zesty lime juice creates a mouthwatering dish that is both satisfying and refreshing.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy yet delicious meal or something quick to throw together, this recipe is a winner. It’s easy to customize, and you can even make it ahead of time for a grab-and-go lunch. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this fantastic salad!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This salad comes together in just 20 minutes!
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of ranch, taco seasoning, and fresh lime juice makes for a zesty and creamy dressing.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Store it in portions and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Great for Gatherings: It’s a hit at potlucks and BBQs.
- Versatile & Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your taste!
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning (hot or mild)
Salad:
- 3 cups cooked, cooled, and diced chicken
- 4 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped (about 1 head)
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, seeded and diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 4-5 green onions, sliced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 oz sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese, cut into ¼” cubes
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- Juice of ½ lime
- 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
- Jalapeño, diced (optional)
- Toasted pumpkin seeds, diced avocado, or jicama for garnish (optional)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing spoon or tongs
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix the ranch dressing and taco seasoning. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss together all the salad ingredients (chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, corn, green onions, black beans, cheese, and cilantro).
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad a little at a time, tossing until everything is lightly coated.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips on top just before serving.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve Immediately: Garnish with optional toppings like avocado, jalapeño, or toasted pumpkin seeds for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigeration: Store the salad (without dressing) in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Dressing Storage: Keep the dressing separate and add it just before eating to prevent sogginess.
- Meal Prep: Divide the salad into meal prep containers, storing the tortilla chips separately to keep them crunchy.
Variations & Substitutions
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap chicken for black beans, grilled tofu, or roasted sweet potatoes.
- Change the Dressing: Try a chipotle lime dressing or a creamy avocado dressing instead of ranch.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the tortilla chips and add extra avocado for healthy fats.
- Extra Protein: Toss in some hard-boiled eggs or add a handful of roasted chickpeas.
- Different Cheeses: Use feta, cotija, or Monterey Jack for a twist on the classic flavors.
What to Serve with Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad
This salad is satisfying on its own, but it also pairs well with:
- Side Dishes: Garlic bread, tortilla chips with guacamole, or a bowl of Mexican rice.
- Drinks: Try a margarita, iced tea, or a refreshing agua fresca to complement the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Just keep the dressing and tortilla chips separate until serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
2. What type of chicken works best?
Any cooked chicken works well! You can use grilled, roasted, rotisserie, or even leftover shredded chicken.
3. Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
Absolutely! But if you want a homemade version, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. What can I use instead of Romaine lettuce?
You can swap it for iceberg, kale, or mixed greens for different textures and flavors.
5. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tortilla chips and taco seasoning.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
This Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad is an easy, flavorful, and healthy meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving it at a summer cookout, this salad is sure to impress! Try it out and customize it to your taste.
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