Tex-Mex Taco Chicken Chopped Salad
Craving a healthy and flavorful Southwest-style salad? This Tex-Mex Taco Chicken Chopped Salad is a high-protein, nutrient-packed recipe featuring tender shredded chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, black beans, sweet corn, and zesty onions. It’s a delicious and easy low-carb meal you can whip up in minutes—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a satisfying gluten-free lunch.
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced use grilled or rotisserie for convenience
10 cups chopped romaine lettuce fresh and crunchy
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved bright and juicy
1 cup corn kernels, canned or thawed naturally sweet
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced adds bold flavor
4 green onions, finely chopped extra color and zip
1½ cups black beans, rinsed and drained full of fiber and plant-based protein
Optional Toppings:
Sliced avocado creamy and rich in healthy fats
Crushed tortilla chips or tortilla strips for added crunch
Shredded cheddar or cotija cheese for a savory kick
Zesty Lime-Cilantro Dressing (Optional):
¼ cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Salt & pepper to taste
Whisk together all ingredients and drizzle over the salad just before serving.
Directions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Shred or cube your cooked chicken breast. You can use grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience.
2. Chop the Lettuce:
Rinse and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized strips (about 10 cups). Pat dry using a salad spinner or paper towels for crisp texture.
3. Slice the Vegetables:
Cut the cherry tomatoes in half, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the green onions into small pieces.
4. Assemble the Salad Base:
In a large salad bowl, layer the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, red onion, and green onions.
5. Add Protein and Fiber:
Add the shredded chicken and rinsed black beans over the salad mixture.
6. Toss and Serve:
Gently toss everything together until well mixed. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
7. Optional Add-Ons (Highly Recommended!):
Drizzle with a creamy cilantro lime dressing or chipotle ranch for added Tex-Mex flavor.
Garnish with shredded cheese, sliced avocado, tortilla strips, or fresh cilantro.
Pro Tip:
Make this salad ahead of time for easy meal prep! Just store the dressing separately and toss it in before serving
Why You’ll Love This Salad:
Low-carb and high-protein
Loaded with fresh veggies
Naturally gluten-free
Perfect for meal prep and quick lunches
Customizable with toppings or dressing
Tex-Mex Taco Salad, South west Chicken Salad, Healthy Chicken Salad
