Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe

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Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad: A Fusion of Flavor and Freshness

Tex-Mex cuisine is a delightful fusion of Mexican and American culinary traditions, known for its bold flavors and vibrant ingredients. This Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad is no exception. It’s a hearty, refreshing dish that brings together the best of both worlds, combining fresh vegetables, savory chicken, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, a quick dinner, or even as a side dish for a larger meal, this salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

I have fond memories of enjoying Tex-Mex meals with friends and family, particularly during warm summer evenings when fresh, light dishes are especially appealing. This chopped chicken salad is inspired by those gatherings, where everyone contributes a dish, and we all share in the joy of good food and great company.

Ingredients

Dressing

1 cup ranch dressing

2 tablespoons taco seasoning (hot or mild)

Salad

3 cups chicken, cooked, cooled, and diced

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 cheese or pepper jack, cut into ¼” cubes

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Juice of 1/2 lime

1 cup tortilla chips, crushed

Optional garnishes: diced jalapeño, toasted pumpkin seeds, diced avocado, or jicama

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of ranch dressing and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Stir the ingredients together until well blended. This mixture brings a creamy and tangy flavor to the salad with a hint of spice from the taco seasoning.

Refrigerate: Place the dressing in the refrigerator to chill. Allowing the dressing to sit lets the flavors meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

Cook and Dice the Chicken: Cook and cool 3 cups of chicken, then dice it into bite-sized pieces. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or freshly cooked chicken breasts. This makes the salad hearty and adds a rich source of protein.

Chop the Lettuce: Chop 4 cups of Romaine lettuce. This is roughly one head of Romaine. Ensure the pieces are bite-sized for easy eating. Romaine adds a crisp texture and a fresh taste.

Dice the Tomatoes: Dice 2 Roma tomatoes. Remove the seeds if desired to reduce excess moisture. Tomatoes add a juicy sweetness to the salad.

Seed and Dice the Cucumber: Seed and dice 1 cucumber. Removing the seeds helps to keep the salad from becoming too watery. Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch.

Measure the Corn: Measure out 1 cup of corn kernels. If using frozen corn, make sure it’s thawed. Corn adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.

Slice the Green Onions: Slice 4-5 green onions. These add a mild onion flavor and a bit of color.

Prepare the Black Beans: Drain and rinse 1 (15 oz) can of black beans. This removes excess sodium and makes them ready to use. Black beans add heartiness and an earthy flavor.

Cube the Cheese: Cut 4 oz of sharp cheddar cheese or pepper jack into ¼” cubes. Choose pepper jack for a spicier kick. Cheese adds creaminess and a savory note.

Chop the Cilantro: Chop 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro. This adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the salad.

Juice the Lime: Juice half a lime. This will be used to add a burst of freshness to the salad.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, chopped Romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced cucumber, corn kernels, sliced green onions, black beans, and cheese cubes.

Add Cilantro and Lime: Add the chopped cilantro and the juice of half a lime. Toss the ingredients together to mix them evenly. This helps distribute the flavors and ensures every bite is delicious.

Step 4: Add the Dressing

Dress the Salad: Remove the dressing from the refrigerator. Gradually add the dressing to the salad, tossing to coat the ingredients lightly. You may not need all the dressing, so add it a little at a time until the salad is dressed to your liking. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The dressing ties all the components together with its creamy, spicy flavor.

Step 5: Serve the Salad

Add Crunch: Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips over the top of the salad. This adds a delightful crunch and an extra layer of texture.

Garnish: Garnish with optional ingredients such as diced jalapeño, toasted pumpkin seeds, diced avocado, or jicama for extra flavor and texture. These additions can elevate the salad and cater to different taste preferences.

Serve Immediately: Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures. This salad is best enjoyed fresh to appreciate the crispness of the vegetables and the crunch of the tortilla chips.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein: Substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu for a different take on this salad. Each option brings a unique flavor and texture.

Cheese: Use queso fresco or cotija cheese instead of cheddar or pepper jack for a more authentic Mexican flavor. These cheeses add a different dimension of taste.

Dressing: Swap out the ranch dressing for a homemade cilantro lime dressing for a fresher taste. A simple blend of lime juice, cilantro, olive oil, and garlic can make a fantastic dressing.

Vegetables: Add or substitute vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or avocado to suit your preferences. These additions can enhance the salad’s nutritional profile and flavor.

Conclusion

This Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, packed with fresh ingredients, and can be customized to suit your tastes. The combination of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy tortilla chips, and a creamy, spicy dressing creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will delight your taste buds.

Not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also nutritious and satisfying, making it an excellent choice for a light meal or a hearty side dish. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, a family dinner, or a casual lunch with friends, this Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the joy of sharing a meal that’s both healthy and indulgent. Bon appétit!