Description
This Chicken Taco Salad is a vibrant and flavorful meal, featuring juicy seasoned chicken, crisp lettuce, colorful veggies, creamy avocado, and a zesty homemade dressing. It’s perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner and can be customized with your favorite taco toppings. This salad offers all the deliciousness of tacos but served in a lighter, bowl-style form.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
For the Dressing
- 1/3 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons salsa
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice or dice the chicken.
- Assemble the Salad Base: In a large bowl or on a platter, arrange the chopped romaine lettuce as the salad base. Scatter the cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, and red onion evenly over the lettuce.
- Add the Chicken and Toppings: Place the warm, sliced chicken on top of the salad. Add diced avocado, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and finish with a handful of crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), salsa, lime juice, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss lightly to combine if desired, or serve with the dressing on the side. Enjoy immediately for maximum freshness and crunch!
Notes
- Swap chicken for grilled shrimp, beef, or a vegetarian alternative like tofu or extra beans.
- Add other favorite toppings like sliced jalapeños, bell peppers, or pickled onions.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mix for 30 minutes before cooking.
- This salad is best served fresh. If making ahead, keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate until ready to serve.
