Taco Chicken Salad: A Vibrant, Flavor-Packed Meal for Beginner Cooks
A vibrant and refreshing salad with chicken, vegetables, and a creamy taco dressing. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Mixing, Assembling
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn, canned or frozen
- ¼ cup red onion, sliced
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1 ½ cups black beans, rinsed
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
- ½ lime, freshly squeezed
- 1 cup tortilla strips or chips
- Dressing: 1 cup ranch dressing, 2 tbsp taco seasoning
Instructions
- Make The Taco Dressing: Add the 1 cup ranch dressing and 2 tablespoons taco seasoning to a medium bowl. Mix together until it’s smooth and creamy. Ensure the taco seasoning is evenly distributed for a consistent and balanced flavor.
- Assemble The Salad: Wash, chop, and prep all the ingredients: 2 cups romaine lettuce (chopped into strips), 2 cups sliced cherry tomatoes, 1 cup canned corn, ¼ cup sliced red onion, 4 chopped green onions, 1 ½ cups canned black beans (rinsed and drained), ½ cup cheddar cheese, and ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional).
- Combine Ingredients: Add everything to a large bowl. Use a large bowl to make tossing easier and prevent ingredients from spilling.
- Drizzle Dressing: Drizzle the taco dressing overtop and toss all the ingredients together until they’re evenly mixed. Ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients for maximum flavor and enjoyment.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips over the salad and drizzle with freshly squeezed lime juice. Serve immediately to prevent the chips from getting soggy.
Notes
- Use rotisserie or leftover chicken.
- Rinse black beans thoroughly.
- Add tortilla strips just before serving.
- Adjust taco seasoning to taste.
- Use fresh lime juice.