If you’re craving a bold and colorful meal that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying, this Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad is exactly what you need. With juicy chicken, crisp romaine, sweet corn, black beans, and a zesty ranch taco dressing, this salad brings the best of Tex-Mex flavors to your table—fast.
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, it’s a recipe that offers crunch, protein, and spice in every bite. This is not your average chopped salad—it’s a flavor fiesta!
Why You’ll Love This Tex-Mex Salad
- Quick and easy: No complicated prep, ready in 20 minutes
- Great for any season: Fresh for summer, hearty for winter
- Packed with flavor: Creamy, spicy, and bright
- Customizable: Add jalapeños, avocado, or jicama for your own twist
- Perfect for meal prep or gatherings
Ingredients
Serves 4
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (hot or mild, your choice)
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced and cooled
- 4 cups chopped Romaine lettuce (about 1 head)
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, seeded and diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 4–5 green onions, sliced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 oz sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese, cut into ¼-inch cubes
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of ½ a lime
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
Optional Garnishes:
- Diced jalapeño
- Toasted pumpkin seeds
- Diced avocado
- Jicama strips
How to Make Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad
Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and taco seasoning. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the salad.
Step 2: Toss the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, corn, green onions, black beans, cheese, cilantro, and lime juice.
Step 3: Add the Dressing
Pour the dressing over the salad a little at a time, tossing until everything is evenly coated. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top just before serving for added crunch. Garnish with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Tex-Mex Salad
- Use rotisserie chicken for maximum convenience
- Chop everything evenly to ensure every bite has flavor and crunch
- Mix the dressing just before serving to keep the salad crisp
- Meal prep tip: Store ingredients separately and combine right before eating
What to Serve With Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad
This salad is satisfying on its own, but you can pair it with:
- Cornbread or tortilla soup
- Quesadillas or grilled flatbread
- Cilantro lime rice
- Fresh mango slices or watermelon for dessert
Storage Tips
- Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Dressing can be refrigerated separately for up to 5 days
- Add tortilla chips and avocado just before serving to maintain freshness and texture
A Bold, Balanced Meal You’ll Want Again and Again
This Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad is more than just a salad—it’s a full-flavored experience in one bowl. From the creamy-spicy dressing to the variety of textures and the kick of lime and cilantro, it’s a dish that keeps things exciting.
Great for family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks, this salad brings a little sunshine to every season.
Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning hot or mild, your choice
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken diced and cooled
- 4 cups chopped Romaine lettuce about 1 head
- 2 Roma tomatoes diced
- 1 cucumber seeded and diced
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 4 –5 green onions sliced
- 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 oz sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese cut into ¼-inch cubes
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Juice of ½ a lime
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- Optional Garnishes:
- Diced jalapeño
- Toasted pumpkin seeds
- Diced avocado
- Jicama strips
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and taco seasoning. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the salad.
Step 2: Toss the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, corn, green onions, black beans, cheese, cilantro, and lime juice.
Step 3: Add the Dressing
- Pour the dressing over the salad a little at a time, tossing until everything is evenly coated. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top just before serving for added crunch. Garnish with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
Leave a Comment