Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad

Here’s a fresh, flavorful Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad packed with bold flavors, crisp veggies, and a creamy cilantro-lime dressing! Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins (if grilling chicken) | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups rotisserie chicken)

• 1 tbsp taco seasoning (or chili powder + cumin + paprika)

• 1 head romaine lettuce, finely chopped

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed & drained

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or charred)

• 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

• 1 avocado, diced

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

• ⅓ cup cilantro, chopped

• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese

• 1 cup tortilla strips (or crushed Doritos for extra crunch!)

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

• 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)

• 1 tbsp honey (or agave)

• 1 tsp cumin

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1-2 tbsp water (to thin if needed)

Instructions:

1. Cook the chicken:

   • Toss chicken breasts with taco seasoning and a drizzle of oil. Grill or pan-sear for 5-7 mins per side until cooked through. Let rest, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

2. Make the dressing:

   • Whisk together sour cream, lime juice, honey, cumin, garlic powder, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Add water if too thick.

3. Assemble the salad:

   • In a large bowl, layer chopped lettuce, black beans, corn, bell pepper, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, cheese, and chicken.

4. Serve:

   • Drizzle with dressing, top with tortilla strips, and toss gently just before serving.

Tips:

• Meal prep: Store dressing separately; add avocado and chips last.

• Extra protein: Add crispy bacon or cotija cheese.

• Veggie swap: Try jicama, cucumber, or pickled jalapeños.

• Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce or chipotle powder to the dressing.

This salad is a fiesta of textures and flavors—creamy, crunchy, tangy, and fresh! 🌮🥑🥗

Want to adjust anything (heat level, dairy-free options, etc.)? Let me know!