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Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad

A vibrant and refreshing Tex-Mex salad loaded with chicken, crisp veggies, and zesty dressing, perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1-2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded Rotisserie chicken works great for a quick option!
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped Opt for fresh, crunchy leaves.
  • 2 pcs roma tomatoes, seeded and diced Juicy tomatoes add a sweet touch.
  • ½ cup cucumber, diced For that refreshing crunch!
  • 1 cup corn kernels Can be fresh, frozen/thawed, or canned.
  • 3 pcs green onions, sliced A must for that mild onion flavor.
  • 1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained A fabulous source of protein.
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded The cheesy goodness that ties it all together.
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped For a burst of freshness!
  • 1 pcs lime, juiced The zesty kick!
  • 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed Crunch factor guaranteed!
  • 1 pcs jalapeño, finely diced Add if you dare! (optional)
  • 2 Tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds Extra crunch and health benefits. (optional)
  • ½ pcs avocado or diced jicama for garnish Breezy toppings for that special touch. (optional)
  • to taste Salt & pepper Essential for flavor enhancement!
For the Dressing
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil A silky base for the dressing.
  • 2 Tbsp lime juice Freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
  • 1 tsp honey Adds a little sweetness to balance the tang.
  • 1 tsp chili powder For a hint of warmth.
  • ½ tsp cumin Adds earthy depth to the dressing.
  • to taste Salt & pepper Essential for flavor enhancement!

Method
 

Prepare the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the salad.
Build Your Salad
  1. In a large bowl, toss together the romaine lettuce, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, corn, green onions, black beans, cheese, and cilantro. If using any of the optional toppings, add them in!
Dress It Up
  1. Once everything is nicely combined, drizzle in the dressing a little at a time, tossing gently to coat each bite with that zesty goodness. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Top it Off
  1. Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips and diced avocado or jicama on top for that satisfying crunch.
Serve Immediately
  1. Enjoy this vibrant dish right away for the best flavor and texture!

Notes

For best results, use fresh veggies and quality chicken. If you have leftovers, store salad components separately to retain freshness. The salad will last for about 2-3 days in the fridge. Feel free to customize ingredient amounts based on your volume preferences.