Tex-Mex Chicken Salad

Name: Tex-Mex Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 cups fresh romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped; 1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen); 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or halved cherry tomatoes); 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 avocado, diced; Juice of 2 limes; 1 packet taco seasoning; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup salsa or dressing of choice

Published: April 22, 2025

by Lionel Ramon

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Tex-Mex chicken salad is incredibly easy to prepare, making dinner stress-free.
The explosion of flavors will leave your taste buds dancing.
Its vibrant colors create an eye-catching presentation that impresses guests.
Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings!

I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends during a casual get-together. Their reactions were priceless as they went back for seconds—and even thirds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well, but adjust based on your crowd size.
Fresh Lettuce: Crisp romaine or crunchy iceberg adds the perfect base for this salad.
Corn Kernels: Use canned or frozen corn for sweetness and texture—just don’t skimp on this!
Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add juiciness; cherry tomatoes can be halved for extra fun.
Black Beans: Rinse them well—these protein-packed beauties bring hearty goodness.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar gives a delightful bite that pairs beautifully with the dressing.
Avocado: Creamy avocado adds richness and balances out the tangy flavors perfectly.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens everything up—don’t settle for bottled!
Taco Seasoning: A packet of taco seasoning delivers all those classic spices without any hassle.
Olive Oil: Use high-quality olive oil to enhance the overall flavor of your dressing. For more inspiration, check out this homemade Big Mac sauce recipe.
Salsa or Dressing of Choice: Choose your favorite salsa or dressing—this is where you can get creative!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep the Chicken: Start by preheating your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with taco seasoning and drizzle with olive oil.

Cook until golden brown and cooked through—this usually takes about 6-7 minutes per side. Let them rest before slicing to keep them juicy.

Prepare the Salad Base: While the chicken cools down, chop your fresh lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place it in a large mixing bowl.

Add corn kernels, diced tomatoes, black beans, and shredded cheddar cheese on top of the lettuce. The colors should pop like confetti at a party!

Add Avocado and Dressing: Dice up your avocado and gently fold it into the salad mix so it doesn’t turn mushy. Drizzle lime juice over everything to enhance freshness.

Pour in salsa or your choice of dressing—toss gently until everything is well-coated without squishing anything!

Slice and Serve!: Once the chicken has cooled slightly, slice it into strips and arrange on top of your salad masterpiece.

Garnish with extra cheese or cilantro if desired—serve immediately for best enjoyment or chill in the fridge if you’re prepping ahead.

This Tex-Mex chicken salad is not only easy but also bursting with flavors that scream summer! Enjoy every bite as you relish how simple yet satisfying this recipe turns out to be. loaded baked potato.

You Must Know

Crafting the perfect Tex-Mex Chicken Salad is a breeze with a few insider tips.
Fresh ingredients elevate flavor, while zesty toppings add that irresistible crunch.
This salad is not just a meal; it’s a colorful celebration on your plate, pleasing both the eyes and taste buds.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating your chicken for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavors. Cook the chicken until golden brown, then chop while cooling. Meanwhile, prep your veggies to keep everything fresh and crunchy for the Tex-Mex Chicken Salad. For more inspiration, check out this baked cranberry turkey sliders recipe.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients like black beans for chickpeas or add grilled corn for extra sweetness. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or avocado can take this Tex-Mex Chicken Salad to a new level of deliciousness. delicious beef tacos.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If reheating, do so gently in a skillet to maintain that delightful texture without overcooking the chicken.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For a vibrant Tex-Mex Chicken Salad, always use fresh vegetables.
Avoid pre-packaged varieties—they often lack flavor and crunch.
Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety, and don’t skimp on spices; they make all the difference!

Creating this Tex-Mex Chicken Salad brings back memories of summer picnics with friends, where laughter filled the air and everyone clamored for seconds—proving once again that good food creates great moments.

FAQ

What can I substitute for chicken in this salad?

You can easily use grilled shrimp or tofu as tasty alternatives.

How long does it take to marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor infusion.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just store components separately until serving to keep everything fresh.

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