Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup sweet corn
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips or strips
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1–2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1–2 tbsp water or milk, to thin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, taco seasoning, cilantro, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add a little water or milk until creamy.
- Prepare the chicken: If using raw chicken, season with taco seasoning and cook in a skillet until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cool slightly and chop.
- Build the salad: Add lettuce, chicken, tomatoes, black beans, corn, avocado, onion, and cheese to a large bowl.
- Add dressing: Pour over the creamy dressing and gently toss until everything is coated.
- Finish: Add crushed tortilla chips and fresh cilantro right before serving so they stay crunchy.
- Serve immediately with extra lime wedges if desired.
Nut Information
This recipe is naturally nut-free when made with the ingredients listed. Tortilla chips, cheese, mayonnaise, and taco seasoning can vary by brand, so check labels for peanut/tree-nut cross-contact if someone has an allergy.
Approx. Nutrition
Per serving, assuming 8 servings:
- Calories: ~350–400
- Protein: ~20–25 g
- Carbohydrates: ~25–30 g
- Fat: ~20–24 g
- Fiber: ~5–7 g
Nutrition is an estimate and depends on the chicken, dressing, cheese, and tortilla chips used.
Q/S
Q: Can I make this without chicken?
Yes. Add extra black beans, corn, or another protein such as chickpeas.
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes. Greek yogurt makes the dressing lighter and adds protein.
Q: Can I prepare it ahead?
Yes, but keep the dressing and tortilla chips separate until serving.
Q: Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely—rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken works well.
Q: How long does it keep?
Undressed salad can be refrigerated for about 2–3 days. Once mixed with dressing and chips, it becomes soggy much faster.
Q: Is it spicy?
Not necessarily. Use mild taco seasoning for a mild salad, or add a little chili powder for more heat.