This Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe is the answer when you’re craving something fast, fresh, and loaded with flavor. Every bite offers a medley of textures, colors, and zesty tastes thanks to juicy chicken, crisp lettuce, sweet tomatoes, creamy avocado, and bold Tex-Mex toppings. It comes together in just 15 minutes, making it weeknight friendly, healthy, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re meal-prepping for busy days or gathering friends for a casual summer meal, this salad is sure to win hearts and appetites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this salad such a star is how these simple ingredients work together, bringing unbeatable freshness and that unmistakable Tex-Mex flair. Each item is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of taste, color, and crunch in every forkful.
- Chicken breast: Use cooked, chopped, or shredded chicken for protein and satisfying substance; grilled or rotisserie chicken adds even more flavor.
- Romaine lettuce: The sturdy crunch of chopped romaine creates the perfect salad base that holds up to all the add-ins.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for easy eating, these little gems provide juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Black beans: Rinsed and drained, they bring creaminess, plant-based protein, and a Tex-Mex signature touch.
- Corn kernels: Sweet and crisp, whether you use fresh, frozen, or canned, corn brightens up every bite.
- Avocado: Diced for creamy luxury, avocado ties all the flavors together and adds healthy fats.
- Red onion: Finely diced for subtle zip and crunch that balances the richness elsewhere in the salad.
- Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy layer and lovely melting pockets throughout.
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro brings a burst of herby brightness and classic Southwest flair.
- Lime juice: The juice of one lime is the essential acidic pop for a lively, refreshing dressing.
- Olive oil: Whisked in for a light, silky dressing that lets the natural flavors shine.
- Salt and pepper: Just enough to lift and bring together all the brilliant flavors in the bowl.
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips (optional): For a festive and crispy topping, perfect for some extra crunch!
How to Make Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Chop and Prepare All Salad Ingredients
Begin by prepping all your components so assembly is a breeze. Dice or shred your cooked chicken breast, finely chop the romaine lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, and dice the red onion and avocado. Rinse and drain your black beans, and prep the corn and cheese. Keeping everything bite-sized ensures that glorious “chopped salad” texture in every spoonful.
Step 2: Layer Everything into a Large Bowl
Grab the largest salad bowl you have (trust me, you’ll need the room!). Add in the chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, corn, avocado, red onion, cheese, and most of the cilantro. This vibrant pile is already a feast for the eyes, and you haven’t even tossed it yet!
Step 3: Whisk Together the Simple Lime-Olive Oil Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Taste and adjust if you’d like more zing or a little extra seasoning. This bright, uncomplicated dressing lets all your fresh ingredients truly pop.
Step 4: Dress and Toss the Salad
Drizzle the dressing evenly over your waiting ingredients. Using large salad tongs or two big spoons, gently toss everything together. You want the dressing to coat every morsel without turning the avocado to mush. Go slow and enjoy watching all the colors mingle!
Step 5: Top and Serve
If you love a little extra crunch, sprinkle the top with tortilla strips or some crushed chips. Finish with the reserved cilantro and dig in right away for peak freshness. That first bite will convince you to make this Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe a staple!
How to Serve Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of chopped cilantro, a few fresh lime wedges, or a slice of jalapeño can elevate the look and taste of your Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe. Don’t forget those crunchy tortilla strips or your favorite crushed tortilla chips for a festive, irresistible finish right on top.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty salad with a side of warm corn tortillas, a bowl of tortilla soup, or even a bright fruit salad. The salad’s bold Tex-Mex flavors play nicely with classic rice and beans or a scoop of guacamole with fresh veggies for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe in individual mason jars or layered in clear glasses for a colorful party effect. For a casual gathering, set up a “salad bar” where guests can add their own toppings like jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra cheese. Transform leftovers into a tortilla wrap or stuff them into crispy taco shells for a next-level lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, keeping the dressing and tortilla strips separate for best results. The Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe stays fresh and tasty for up to two days, though the avocado may brown a bit.
Freezing
While this salad isn’t a candidate for freezing (the lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado don’t thaw well), you can freeze the cooked chicken in advance. Just add it to the freshly chopped veggies and assembled salad when you’re ready!
Reheating
Since the Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat. If you’ve prepped the chicken and kept it chilled, simply allow it to come to room temp before tossing with the rest of the salad.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Salad
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, thinly sliced steak, or make it meatless with more black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or extra avocado. The Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe is incredibly flexible.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Toss the diced avocado in a little extra lime juice before adding it to the salad. This slows down oxidation and keeps everything looking bright and appetizing.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Cheddar or a Mexican blend is perfect, but feel free to use cotija, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick. Any melty, bold cheese works beautifully in the Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Definitely! Just store the dressing and tortilla chips separately, then toss everything together right before serving. This keeps the salad crisp and enjoyable all week long.
Can I add extra veggies or toppings?
Yes! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, sliced radishes, jalapeños, or swap in your favorite beans or greens. The Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe is a great base for creativity and personal tastes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that’s easy, crave-worthy, and endlessly customizable, the Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe deserves a spot in your rotation. Give it a try, share it with friends, and enjoy every fresh, zesty bite!
Print
Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, and zesty lime dressing. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (chopped or shredded)
- 4 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 avocado (diced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely diced)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
Dressing:
- juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped chicken, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, avocado, red onion, cheese, and cilantro.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Toss Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Add Toppings: Top with tortilla strips or chips if using.
- Serve: Serve immediately.
Notes
- For added flavor, use grilled or rotisserie chicken.
- You can also drizzle with a creamy chipotle or ranch dressing if preferred.
- This salad makes a great meal prep option—just store the dressing and toppings separately until ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
