Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad

If you’re looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer, you’ll absolutely love this Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad! This delightful salad is not only colorful but also packed with wholesome ingredients. I adore making this salad on busy weeknights or when friends come over for a casual gathering. It’s quick to whip up and full of flavor, making it a go-to recipe in my house.

What makes this salad truly special is the homemade dressing that brings everything together beautifully. The combination of fresh veggies and hearty chicken makes it satisfying yet light, perfect for warm days when you crave something refreshing. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main course or a side dish, this salad is sure to please everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Packed with flavors and textures, even picky eaters will enjoy every bite!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dressing and chop the veggies ahead of time for an easy meal later.
• Customizable: Adjust the ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of ranch dressing and taco seasoning creates a deliciously zesty experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create this mouthwatering Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad. You might already have many of these on hand!

For the Dressing:

• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 2 Tbsp taco seasoning, hot or mild

For the 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 of a lime
• 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
• (Optional: jalapeño, diced; toasted pumpkin seeds; diced avocado; or jicama for garnish)

Variations

One of the best things about this Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad is how flexible it is! Feel free to mix things up according to your taste preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use grilled shrimp or turkey instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Add more crunch: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or crispy radishes for added texture.
• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce if you like some heat.
• Go vegan: Substitute chicken with chickpeas and use a vegan ranch dressing option!

How to Make Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, stir together the ranch dressing and taco seasoning until well combined. Refrigerate it until you’re ready to toss everything together. This step is important because letting the flavors meld enhances the overall taste!

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine all your salad ingredients: cooked chicken, Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, corn kernels, green onions, black beans, cheese cubes, cilantro, lime juice, and crushed tortilla chips. Toss gently but thoroughly so that all those beautiful colors mix together nicely.

Step 3: Dress & Season

Add your prepared dressing gradually while tossing the salad until everything is lightly coated. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste! Serving immediately ensures that your tortilla chips stay crunchy while adding delightful texture.

And there you have it! A delicious Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad that’s sure to brighten up any meal. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad

Creating the perfect Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad is easy when you keep these helpful tips in mind!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, crisp vegetables and high-quality chicken to enhance the flavor and freshness of your salad. This not only boosts taste but also adds nutritional value.
• Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to adjust the taco seasoning in your dressing according to your spice preference. This personal touch allows you to make the salad as mild or spicy as you like.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It makes for a refreshing dish on warm days!
• Mix and Match Toppings: Experiment with toppings like diced avocado, roasted corn, or even different cheese varieties. This keeps each serving exciting and tailored to your taste!
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately ahead of time. When you’re ready to eat, just toss them together for a quick meal that stays fresh longer.

How to Serve Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad

Presenting your Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad can make it all the more enjoyable! Here are some ideas on how to serve it beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the salad.
• Crushed Tortilla Chips: Adding some extra crunch with crushed tortilla chips on top creates a delightful texture contrast.
• Sliced Jalapeños: If you love heat, fresh jalapeño slices can be a zesty addition that elevates your salad experience.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered with a creamy sauce, topped with cheese and chili powder, complements the flavors of your salad wonderfully.
• Guacamole and Salsa: Serve a side of creamy guacamole and fresh salsa for dipping tortilla chips. This classic pairing adds more zest and variety to your meal.
• Avocado Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with avocado, tomatoes, and lime juice fits perfectly alongside this hearty chicken salad while keeping it healthy.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: This fragrant rice dish brings an aromatic element that pairs well with your Tex-Mex flavors, making every bite enjoyable!

With these pro tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to impress at any gathering or enjoy a delightful dinner at home. Enjoy every crunchy bite of your Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately, making it easy to whip up a fresh, healthy salad whenever you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
• Keep the dressing separate to prevent sogginess.
• Consume within 3 days for the best flavor and freshness.

Freezing

• It’s best not to freeze this salad due to the fresh vegetables and dressing.
• If you have extra cooked chicken, you can freeze that separately for future use.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat this salad; it’s best enjoyed cold!
• If you’re using leftover chicken, simply let it come to room temperature or give it a quick warm-up in the microwave before adding it to the salad.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making your Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad!

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor. Just make sure it’s cooled and diced before mixing it into your salad.

What can I substitute for ranch dressing in Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad?

You can use any creamy dressing like Greek yogurt or avocado dressing as a lighter alternative. For a different flavor, try using a cilantro-lime dressing!

How do I make Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad healthier?

To make this salad even healthier, consider reducing the amount of cheese or replacing it with a lower-fat option. Adding more fresh veggies can also boost the nutrition!

Is Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad good for meal prep?

Yes! This salad is excellent for meal prep. You can chop and store all ingredients separately and mix them when ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re excited to try making this Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad! It’s not just delicious; it’s also versatile and perfect for warm days or busy weeknights. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings. Happy cooking!