Chicken Taco Chopped Salad (Print view)

Crisp lettuce, seasoned chicken, fresh veggies, and tortilla chips tossed in creamy salsa ranch for a satisfying Tex-Mex inspired bowl.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 2 teaspoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Salad

06 - 6 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
07 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
09 - 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
10 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
11 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
12 - 1 avocado, diced
13 - 1 cup crushed tortilla chips

→ Salsa Ranch Dressing

14 - 1/2 cup ranch dressing
15 - 1/3 cup tomato salsa (mild or spicy, to taste)
16 - Juice of 1/2 lime

# How-To Steps:

01 - Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coating on all sides.
02 - Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook seasoned chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, salsa, and lime juice until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
04 - In a large bowl, combine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn kernels, red onion, shredded cheese, and diced avocado.
05 - Chop the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces.
06 - Add chopped chicken to the salad bowl. Drizzle with salsa ranch dressing and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
07 - Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top just before serving to maintain texture. Serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Everything tastes better when crushed tortilla chips are involved
  • The salsa ranch dressing comes together in 30 seconds flat
02 -
  • Adding tortilla chips too early makes them soggy and sad
  • Room temperature ingredients taste better than cold ones here
03 -
  • Double the dressing and keep it in the fridge for the next salad
  • Leftover chopped chicken works great in breakfast tacos the next morning
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