Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most exciting salad you've ever encountered! This Chicken Tortilla Chip Salad is not just a meal - it's a culinary adventure that combines the crunch of tortilla chips, the zesty freshness of cilantro, and the hearty goodness of protein-packed chicken. Perfect for a quick lunch, a summer gathering, or when you want to impress your friends with a dish that's both easy to make and absolutely delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained
- 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Shred the cooked chicken and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly under running water. Once clean, slice them in half and add them to the bowl with the shredded chicken.
- Open the can of black beans and drain the liquid. Rinse the beans under cold water to remove any excess sodium, then add them to the mixing bowl.
- Measure out the corn (either canned or frozen) and add it to the chicken, tomatoes, and black beans. If using frozen corn, ensure it is thawed before adding.
- Chop the cilantro finely and add it to the bowl. This will add a fresh flavor to your salad.
- Next, take the tortilla chips and crush them into smaller pieces. You can do this by placing them in a plastic bag and gently pounding them with a rolling pin or your hands. Add the crushed chips to the mixing bowl.
- Drizzle the ranch dressing over the mixture in the bowl. Use about 1/4 cup or adjust according to your taste preference.
- Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Be careful not to crush the tortilla chips too much during this process.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
- Once everything is mixed and seasoned, transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. You can garnish with additional cilantro or whole tortilla chips on top for presentation.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Chicken Tortilla Chip Salad!
Tips
- Chicken Preparation: For the most flavorful results, use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken. If you're short on time, pre-cooked or leftover chicken works great too!
- Chip Crushing Technique: Don't over-crush your tortilla chips. You want a mix of small pieces and some larger chunks to maintain that satisfying crunch.
- Dressing Hack: For extra flavor, try mixing the ranch dressing with a touch of hot sauce or lime juice to give the salad an extra kick.
- Temperature Matters: Serve this salad immediately after mixing to keep the tortilla chips crisp. If the chips sit too long, they'll become soggy.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to add additional toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of cheese to make this recipe your own.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare all ingredients separately and combine just before serving to maintain the perfect texture and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg
