Southwestern Chopped Chicken Salad

Are you tired of the same old salads that lack excitement and flavor? Traditional salads can often feel bland and uninspired, leaving you searching for something more satisfying.

Imagine a salad that not only provides a burst of vibrant flavors but also combines nutritious ingredients into a hearty meal. The Southwestern Chopped Chicken Salad delivers just that, featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, zesty dressing.

Transform your lunchtime routine with this flavorful and filling salad. With its balanced mix of textures and tastes, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 6 cups chopped cooked chicken
  You can use chicken thighs, breasts, or even a rotisserie chicken. Grilling the chicken is a great option for adding extra flavor.
• 6 cups Romaine lettuce
  Chopped into bite-sized pieces. Alternatives include Iceberg or mixed greens, though Romaine holds up well and remains crunchy.
• 1.5 cups corn
  Use canned corn (drained) or fresh corn. Grilled corn can add an additional layer of flavor.
• 1 cup black beans
  Ensure they are drained before adding them to the salad.
• 2 tomatoes
  One Roma tomato and a handful of grape tomatoes quartered. You may adjust the size based on your preference.
• 1 avocado
  Diced. If you prefer, you can omit this ingredient.
• 0.5 red onion
  Diced. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
• 0.5 jalapeno
  Diced finely, with seeds and membrane removed for a milder spice level.
• 0.75 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• A handful of cilantro
  Chopped. You may adjust the quantity based on your preference.

For the Dressing

• 0.5 cup Greek yogurt
  Full-fat Greek yogurt is recommended for a richer texture.
• 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
  You can use homemade or store-bought taco seasoning.
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  Fresh garlic, grated or minced.
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
  From one lime.

Optional

• Tortilla chips
  Crushed, for topping.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. For enhanced flavor, grilling the chicken is recommended.
3. Allow the chicken to cool slightly before chopping into bite-sized pieces.

Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped Romaine lettuce, corn, black beans, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, jalapeno, shredded cheddar cheese, and cilantro.
2. Add the chopped chicken to the bowl once it has cooled.

Make the Dressing

1. In a separate bowl, mix Greek yogurt, taco seasoning, apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey, minced garlic, and lime juice.
2. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Season with salt to taste.

Combine and Serve

1. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated.
2. For added crunch, top the salad with crushed tortilla chips just before serving.

Final Touches

1. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Additional taco seasoning or salt may be added according to preference.

This Southwestern Chopped Chicken Salad offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it an enjoyable choice for any meal.