Zesty Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe for Summer Fun

Name: Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 4 cups fresh romaine lettuce, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 avocado, diced; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 3 tbsp fresh lime juice; 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tsp ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe By:

Adriana

Posted:

April 30, 2025

Updated:

April 30, 2025

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The Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad is not just a meal; it’s a fiesta on your plate! Imagine tender chicken, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing mingling together, creating a flavor explosion that dances in your mouth. quick chicken fajitas recipe This vibrant dish is perfect for hot summer days or when you need a quick yet satisfying dinner that’ll impress even the pickiest of eaters.

Every bite of this salad takes me back to sunny afternoons spent at backyard barbecues, where laughter fills the air and everyone munches happily. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether you’re serving it at a casual lunch or a festive gathering. Just wait until you experience its crunchy textures and bold flavors; you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Tex-Mex chopped chicken salad is quick to prepare and packed with flavor that will make your taste buds sing.
The colorful ingredients create an eye-catching presentation that adds excitement to any meal.
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your dietary needs with different proteins or veggies.
Perfect for meal prep, it stays fresh in the fridge and makes delicious leftovers.

Ingredients for Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad

For more inspiration, check out this one-pot chicken meals recipe.

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

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe, depending on how many guests you’re feeding.
Fresh Romaine Lettuce: Crisp romaine adds a refreshing crunch; look for bright green leaves without wilting.
Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems burst with sweetness; choose brightly colored ones for a vibrant salad.
Cucumber: A diced cucumber lends a cool element; opt for firm, unblemished cucumbers for the best texture.
Black Beans: Canned black beans are convenient; rinse them well to remove excess sodium before using.
Avocado: Creamy avocado pieces add richness; choose ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed.
Fresh Cilantro: Cilantro provides an aromatic touch; use fresh leaves instead of dried for maximum flavor.

For the Dressing:

Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the flavors; avoid bottled versions if possible!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth; use high-quality oil for the best results.
Cumin: Ground cumin gives an earthy flavor; add more if you enjoy that warm spiciness!

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

How to Make Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by preheating your grill or stovetop skillet over medium heat. Season the boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper (or any favorite spices). Grill or sauté them until fully cooked—about 6-7 minutes per side. Once done, let them rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies

While the chicken cools down, chop up your romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado into bite-sized pieces. Toss them all together in a large mixing bowl along with rinsed black beans and freshly chopped cilantro.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste it—if it needs more zing or spice, feel free to adjust!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the sliced chicken to your veggie mixture in the big bowl. Drizzle your dressing over everything and toss gently until all ingredients are well-coated with deliciousness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer your Tex-Mex chopped chicken salad onto plates or serve straight from the bowl for family-style dining. Street corn chicken rice bowl Don’t forget to garnish with additional cilantro if desired!

This refreshing salad is not just scrumptious but also super versatile—perfect as a light lunch or dinner option! Enjoy every crunchy bite!

You Must Know

This amazing chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in those juicy flavors, then while it rests, chop your veggies and whip up that zesty dressing. This way, everything comes together perfectly without leaving you scrambling.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the veggies based on your fridge’s contents—zucchini or bell peppers work beautifully! You can also experiment with different dressings or toss in some roasted corn for that sweet crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, toss the salad gently to avoid wilting and enjoy it chilled for a refreshing twist!

Chef's Helpful Tips

For maximum flavor, marinate your chicken overnight; this enhances tenderness and taste.
Always chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking and presentation.
Lastly, serve your salad immediately after dressing to keep everything fresh and crisp.

I once made this Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad for a family picnic, and everyone raved about it! My cousin even asked if I could cater her next birthday party—talk about a confidence boost!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad?

To prepare a delicious Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad, you’ll need cooked chicken breast, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion, avocado, cilantro, and lime juice. For added flavor, include spices like cumin and chili powder. To make the salad dressing, mix olive oil with lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. This combination of fresh vegetables and proteins makes the salad both nutritious and satisfying. For more inspiration, check out this vegetarian chili recipe recipe.

How can I make Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version of the Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad, replace the chicken with grilled or roasted vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini. Consider adding protein-rich ingredients like chickpeas or quinoa for extra texture. You can also include extra beans or diced avocados to maintain creaminess and flavor. The other ingredients can remain the same to keep that delightful Tex-Mex taste.

How can I store leftovers of Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad?

If you have leftover Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness. To prevent sogginess from the dressing, consider keeping the dressing separate until ready to serve. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, give the salad a good toss to combine flavors before serving.

Can I customize my Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad?

Yes! One of the best aspects of Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad is its versatility. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite ingredients such as jalapeños for heat or feta cheese for creaminess. You can also switch up the greens by using spinach or kale instead of mixed greens. spinach strawberry salad This flexibility allows you to create a salad tailored to your personal preferences while still capturing that signature Tex-Mex flair.

Conclusion for Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad:

In summary, making a flavorful and satisfying Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad is simple and enjoyable. By using fresh ingredients like chicken, vibrant vegetables, and zesty dressings, you create a dish that is nutritious and packed with flavor. Thai peanut chicken dish Remember that this salad is highly customizable—feel free to adapt it based on your dietary needs or preferences. Enjoy this perfect meal for lunch or dinner any day of the week!

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