The chicken in this Tex-Mex salad is marinated to perfection, creating layers of flavor that mingle beautifully with the crisp freshness of the vegetables. As it cooks, the smoky aroma of the chili powder and cumin fills the kitchen, giving you that irresistible “something special” scent that signals a meal worth savoring. The tender chicken pieces take on a rich, slightly spicy warmth that pairs perfectly with the cool crunch of lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes. With each bite, you’re met with a delightful balance of textures—from the juiciness of the chicken to the satisfying crispiness of the fresh veggies. The zesty lime dressing brings everything together, cutting through the richness of the chicken while adding a tangy burst of freshness. It’s a salad that makes you want to keep going for more, not just because it’s healthy, but because it’s packed with flavors that make every forkful feel like a celebration. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a backyard gathering, this salad never fails to impress.
Key Ingredients in Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad
The beauty of this salad lies in the combination of vibrant, fresh ingredients and the bold, smoky flavors that define Tex-Mex cuisine. Each ingredient brings something unique to the table, contributing to the overall harmony of the dish. Here’s a breakdown of the key components that make this salad a flavorful masterpiece:
* Cooked chicken breast, chopped
The chicken is the star of the dish, providing a hearty, protein-packed base. Marinated to perfection, it adds tender, juicy bites with a hint of spice and smokiness.
* Romaine lettuce, chopped
Crisp and refreshing, romaine lettuce gives the salad a satisfying crunch, serving as a perfect base for the other ingredients. Its mild flavor lets the other components shine.
* Mixed greens, chopped
A blend of greens adds a slight bitterness and a variety of textures, balancing out the richness of the chicken and cheese. It’s a mix that keeps each bite interesting and fresh.
* Cherry tomatoes, halved
Sweet and juicy, the cherry tomatoes burst in your mouth with each bite. They bring a pop of color and a juicy contrast to the other crunchy vegetables.
* Red bell pepper, diced
Bright and crisp, red bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and a slight crunch, enhancing the overall texture while complementing the earthy spices.
* Red onion, thinly sliced
Red onion provides a zesty bite with a mild sharpness, offering a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the chicken and cheese.
* Corn kernels, cooked
The corn adds a natural sweetness and a tender bite that pairs beautifully with the savory ingredients. Its golden hue also brings warmth and visual appeal.
* Black beans, drained and rinsed
Black beans bring a creamy texture and a slightly earthy flavor that balances out the sharpness of the onion and the richness of the chicken. They also add fiber, making the salad even more filling.
* Shredded cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese melts perfectly over the warm chicken and gives the salad a rich, savory bite. Its sharpness complements the smoky spices in the marinade.
* Sliced avocado
Avocado adds a creamy texture and a subtle buttery flavor that rounds out the bold, spicy components of the salad. It brings a smooth contrast to the crunch of the veggies.
* Fresh cilantro, chopped
Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness with its bright, herbal flavor. It complements the spices and enhances the overall freshness of the salad.
* Olive oil
Olive oil is the foundation of the dressing, providing a silky base that allows the other flavors to blend together seamlessly while adding a subtle richness.
* Lime juice
Lime juice brings a zesty acidity that cuts through the richness of the chicken and cheese, brightening the entire salad with a tangy, refreshing finish.
* Chili powder
Chili powder adds warmth and a bit of smokiness to the dish, infusing the chicken with bold flavor that carries through every bite.
* Ground cumin
Cumin contributes a warm, earthy flavor with a hint of nuttiness, giving the dish that signature Tex-Mex flair that makes it so irresistible.
* Garlic powder
Garlic powder enhances the savory depth of the chicken and dressing, offering a subtle, aromatic background flavor that ties everything together.
* Salt
A pinch of salt helps bring all the flavors into balance, amplifying the spices and enhancing the natural sweetness of the vegetables and corn.
* Black pepper
Black pepper adds a mild heat and a touch of spice, rounding out the seasoning and giving the dish a bit of a kick without overpowering it.
How to Make Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad
1. Combine the chopped cooked chicken breast, Romaine lettuce, and mixed greens
In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped cooked chicken breast, Romaine lettuce, and mixed greens. These are the hearty, fresh bases of your salad. The chicken should be tender and seasoned, while the lettuce and greens provide the crunchy texture that balances out the richness of the chicken.
2. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, and thinly sliced red onion
Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl. The tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness, the red bell pepper adds a bit of crispness and sweetness, and the red onion adds a mild, zesty sharpness.
3. Stir in the cooked corn kernels and black beans that have been drained and rinsed
Toss in the cooked corn kernels and the drained and rinsed black beans. The corn gives a touch of sweetness and golden color, while the black beans add a creamy, earthy flavor and make the salad more filling.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the salad
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. As the warm chicken sits beneath it, the cheese will melt just slightly, adding a rich, savory bite to the salad.
5. Add the sliced avocado to the top of the salad
Carefully arrange the sliced avocado on top of the salad. Its creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor create a smooth contrast to the crispness of the veggies and the boldness of the chicken.
6. Gently toss everything together to combine
Using tongs or a spoon, gently toss the salad to combine all of the ingredients. You want everything to be evenly distributed, but make sure not to mash the avocado too much.
7. Whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This zesty dressing is the perfect balance of richness, spice, and tang, complementing the flavors of the salad perfectly.
8. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss again to coat everything evenly
Drizzle the freshly made dressing over the salad and toss everything again. Make sure all the ingredients are coated with the flavorful dressing, ensuring that every bite has a burst of flavor.
9. Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the salad for garnish
Finish off the salad by sprinkling the chopped fresh cilantro on top. This adds a fresh, herby note that lightens up the entire dish and gives it a beautiful pop of color.
10. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy
This salad is best served immediately, so the textures remain fresh and crisp. However, if you’re prepping ahead of time, you can refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate if you plan to store it for later to prevent the salad from getting soggy.
Serving Suggestions for Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad
* Pair with crispy tortilla chips
Serve your Tex-Mex chopped chicken salad with a side of crispy tortilla chips for the perfect crunch. The salty, crunchy chips complement the freshness of the salad, adding another layer of texture and flavor. You could even crush them up and sprinkle them over the top for a fun twist!
* Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
If you’re looking to add a creamy element, a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top is a great option. The cool creaminess balances out the warmth of the chili powder and cumin, creating a lovely contrast with the zesty lime dressing.
* Serve with a side of grilled corn on the cob
Keep the Tex-Mex vibe going with some grilled corn on the cob on the side. The sweet, smoky flavor of the grilled corn pairs perfectly with the salad’s savory ingredients, and the charred bits add a nice depth to the overall meal.
What’s your favorite way to serve this salad? I love throwing together a little extra grilled chicken on top when I’m craving something even heartier!
How to Store Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad
If you happen to have leftovers (which is a rare occurrence in my house), here’s how to store your Tex-Mex chopped chicken salad to keep it fresh and flavorful:
* Refrigerate the salad (without dressing)
To keep your salad fresh, store the components separately. Refrigerate the salad ingredients in an airtight container, but keep the dressing on the side. This will prevent the veggies from wilting and the avocado from turning brown. The dressing can be stored in a small jar or container and added right before serving.
* Keep avocado slices separate
If you’ve got leftover sliced avocado, it’s best to store it separately to avoid it turning mushy. You can sprinkle a little lemon juice or lime juice on the avocado before storing it to help it stay fresh longer. Just add it to the salad when you’re ready to enjoy.
* Store for up to 2 days
If stored properly, your salad should stay good for about 2 days in the fridge. After that, the freshness starts to fade, especially the veggies and avocado, so it’s best to enjoy it sooner rather than later.
A little prep now means a hassle-free lunch or dinner later—just be sure to save some dressing for that fresh, zesty finish!
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks! A Tex-Mex chopped chicken salad that’s bursting with flavor, vibrant colors, and just the right balance of textures. From the smoky, spiced chicken to the creamy avocado and zesty lime dressing, every bite is a celebration of freshness and warmth. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, this salad is sure to be a hit!
If you decide to make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or let me know if you have any questions or need a little guidance while preparing it. Cooking is all about making the dish your own, so feel free to get creative! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.
Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad
Description
This Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad bursts with bold flavors! Tender grilled chicken, crisp greens, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and a zesty cilantro-lime dressing come together in a fresh, vibrant dish that’s both satisfying and packed with deliciousness.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken breast, Romaine lettuce, and mixed greens.
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Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl.
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Stir in the cooked corn kernels and black beans that have been drained and rinsed.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the salad.
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Add the sliced avocado to the top of the salad.
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Gently toss everything together to combine.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss again to coat everything evenly.
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Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the salad for garnish.
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Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Note
- Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.
- To add crunch, toss in some tortilla strips or crushed chips before serving.
- For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of fresh lime right before serving.
- Substitute the cheddar cheese with a Mexican cheese blend for a more authentic taste.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add some diced jalapenos.
