Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad
A bold, crunchy salad packed with grilled chicken, fresh veggies, beans, corn, and a zesty lime dressing. It’s hearty, high-protein, and full of Tex-Mex flavor.
🧾 Ingredients
For the chicken
- 2 chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp lime juice
For the salad
- 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup sweet corn (fresh, canned, or grilled)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ red onion, finely sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional: crushed tortilla chips for crunch
For the lime dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1–2 limes
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, helps emulsify)
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the chicken
- Mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
- Coat chicken well and let it marinate for 15–30 minutes.
- Grill or pan-cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Rest for 5 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the salad base
- In a large bowl, add chopped romaine, tomatoes, corn, black beans, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro.
3. Make the dressing
- Whisk olive oil, lime juice, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Add yogurt or sour cream if using for a creamy version.
4. Assemble the salad
- Add chopped chicken to the bowl.
- Drizzle dressing over everything.
- Toss gently to combine.
5. Finish & serve
- Top with avocado, cheddar cheese, and tortilla chips if desired.
- Serve immediately for best crunch.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve in a large bowl or meal-prep containers
- Wrap in tortillas for Tex-Mex wraps
- Add rice for a burrito bowl version
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overdress—add gradually to keep salad crisp
- Grill chicken for smoky flavor
- Add avocado last to keep it fresh
- Chill ingredients before mixing for a refreshing salad
🔄 Variations
- Spicy version: Add jalapeños or hot sauce
- Low-carb: Skip corn and beans
- Extra protein: Add boiled eggs or extra chicken
- Vegan version: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or extra beans
