Name: Taco Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breasts, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken recommended); 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped into strips (about 10 cups worth); 2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half; 1 cup corn, canned or frozen; ¼ cup sliced red onion; 4 green onions, chopped small (about 1 cup); 1 ½ cups canned black beans, rinsed and drained; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional); ½ freshly squeezed lime; 1 cup tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips; 1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade); 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

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Introduction

This taco chicken salad is a fresh and flavorful meal that combines tender chicken, crisp lettuce, and zesty dressing. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, coming together in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients.

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad layered with fresh green lettuce at the base, topped with bright red cherry tomato halves, black beans, yellow corn kernels, and thin slices of red onion scattered throughout. There is shredded, light brown chicken spread evenly on top, and the dish is finished with a generous drizzle of creamy orange dressing across the surface. Two lime wedges are placed on the side inside the bowl, and a silver fork rests partially in the salad. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breasts – shredded or cubed
2 cups romaine lettuce – chopped into strips (about 10 cups)
2 cups cherry tomatoes – sliced in half
1 cup corn – canned or frozen
¼ cup sliced red onion
4 green onions – chopped small (about 1 cup)
1 ½ cups canned black beans – rinsed and drained
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
½ freshly squeezed lime
1 cup tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips

Salad Dressing:

1 cup ranch dressing
2 tablespoons taco seasoning

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the ranch dressing and taco seasoning. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Prepare the salad ingredients by washing and chopping the lettuce, slicing the cherry tomatoes, draining the corn and black beans, and chopping the onions and cilantro if using. Add all these ingredients along with the shredded chicken and cheddar cheese into a large bowl.
Step 3: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Sprinkle the tortilla strips on top, drizzle with freshly squeezed lime, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use a rotisserie chicken to save time; simply shred it with forks and add directly to the salad.
Make homemade ranch and taco seasoning for a fresher flavor and to control ingredients.
For homemade tortilla strips, cut corn tortillas into strips, coat with olive or avocado oil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until crispy.
Add sliced avocado, chopped bell peppers, or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
Swap the chicken for ground beef or roasted sweet potatoes for different variations.
Drizzle your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.

Storage

This salad is best enjoyed fresh as the lettuce and tortilla strips will become soggy over time. If you have leftovers, store the salad ingredients and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad showing multiple layers: at the base, green lettuce leaves mixed with shredded purple onions and black beans; scattered on top are bright red cherry tomato halves and yellow corn kernels; shredded chicken is spread evenly across the salad; an orange creamy sauce is drizzled generously over everything; two lime wedges rest on the right side of the bowl near a silver fork; the bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and helps save time. Simply shred or cube it and add it to the salad.

How long does the salad stay fresh?

For best texture and flavor, serve immediately. If storing, keep the dressing separate and combine just before eating. The salad ingredients will stay fresh for 2–3 days in the fridge without dressing.