Tex-Mex Chop Chicken Salad
This fully loaded Tex-Mex Chop Chicken Salad is a texture lovers dream. Lots of crisp lettuce, tender chicken, tomatoes, roasted corn, onions, cheese, Frito chips for crunch, and the simplest chipotle ranch dressing. This salad will jazz up any lunch or dinner hour.
What You'll Love About Tex-Mex Chop Chicken Salad:
- Fresh ingredients
- Lots of great textures
- Easy to make
- Healthy
- Delicious Tex-Mex flavors
Why Do They Call It A Chop Salad?
A chop salad usually has a combination of ingredients chopped in small pieces so each bite has the perfect amount of everything. There are no rules when it comes to what you put in your chop salad, only that it has lots of crunch, variety, and great flavor.
This Tex-Mex Chop Chicken Salad is loaded with awesome ingredients like chicken, corn, beans, Frito corn chips and so much more. The smoky chipotle ranch dressing gives this salad a subtle and flavorful Tex-Mex vibe.
With the holidays just around the corner it's nice to incorporate something a little lighter (like this salad) to balance out all the rich foods and treats. You'll love having this as an option for a nutritious meal.
You might also enjoy my Burger In A Bowl recipe. One reader said "Made this for dinner tonight! Delicious. The Menu Maid thousand island is a must. I didn't change a thing. Will be making again!!
Simple Ingredients:
- Lettuce- I like to use Romaine because it's super crunchy and holds up well with the other ingredients.
- Chicken- I use one medium chicken breast which is perfect for two people to share in this salad.
- Other toppings- black beans, roasted corn, tomato, red onion, fresh avocado, shredded cheese, Frito chips, and lime juice.
- Chipotle ranch dressing- I mix prepared ranch dressing with Dash Southwest Chipotle Seasoning.
Customize With Your Favorite Toppings:
- This salad can be easily customized with your favorite toppings and ingredients- chicken, beans, fresh salsa, prepared guacamole, jalapenos, tortilla chips. Have fun with it and use items you already have on hand.
How To Make Tex-Mex Chop Chicken Salad:
See full instructions in recipe card below
Step One. Make the dressing by combining prepared ranch dressing with chipotle seasoning. Set aside until ready to use.
Step Two. Prepare all your ingredients and build your bowls. Start with the lettuce and layer with beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, onion, and cheese. Add a few Frito chips to the top and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Top with dressing and serve!
Recipe Tips:
- 💡Save time- This is a great recipe to use leftover chicken or even purchase a rotisserie from the grocery store. It will save you the extra step of having to cook the chicken.
- 💡Prep ahead- You can also prep these ingredients ahead of time to have on hand for easy lunches during the week.
Common Questions:
For a fast method heat oven to 375℉ and place one chicken breast on a sheet pan lined with foil. Brush with olive oil on both sides along with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 25-minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°. While your chicken bakes, prepare the rest of your ingredients.
This chop salad recipe only serves two people. If you're wanting to make enough for more people or prep for lunches, I would recommend storing the ingredients separately so nothing gets soggy or weighted down.
In general chop salads are healthy. This goes without saying that the dressing is the only ingredient that might get in the way of an otherwise healthy meal.
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy:
- Tuscan Tuna Salad with Lemon Oil Dressing
- Mexican Chicken Salad
- Loaded Chicken Salad Dip
- BLT Chicken Salad with Ranch
Tex-Mex Chop Chicken Salad
Equipment
- 2 individual serving bowls
Ingredients
Chipotle Ranch Dressing:
- ½ cup prepared ranch dressing, homemade or storebought
- ¾ teaspoon southwest chipotle seasoning, such as Dash
Salad Ingredients:
- 4 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped well
- 1 cooked chicken breast, chopped in small cubes
- 1 medium size tomato, diced small
- â…” cup roasted corn, frozen and thawed or from a can
- ¼ cup red onion, diced fine
- ½ cup black beans from a can, drained and rinsed
- 1 small avocado, diced
- â…” cup shredded Mexican cheese blend, such as Sargento
- 1 cup Frito corn chips
- fresh lime juice from ½ a lime
Instructions
- Mix ranch dressing and chipotle seasoning in a small bowl. Cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- In two individual serving bowls (I like to use these wider salad bowls) evenly divide the lettuce and the remaining 9 ingredients. Serve with the chipotle ranch dressing.
Notes
- Save time-Â This is a great recipe to use leftover chicken or even purchase a rotisserie from the grocery store. It will save you the extra step of having to cook the chicken.
- Prep ahead-Â You can also prep these ingredients ahead of time to have on hand for easy lunches during the week.
- This salad can be easily customized with your favorite toppings and ingredients-Â chicken, beans, fresh salsa, prepared guacamole, jalapenos, tortilla chips. Have fun with it and use items you already have on hand.
Nutrition
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