Get ready to transform your ordinary lunch into a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired feast that's not just a salad, but a culinary adventure! Our El Paso Chicken Salad isn't just another recipe – it's a vibrant, protein-packed dish that combines the bold flavors of the Southwest with fresh, crisp ingredients that will have you craving more with every single bite. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping lunch, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor in minimal time.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken breast
- Romaine lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Avocado
- Black beans
- Corn
- Cheddar cheese
- Ranch dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by seasoning with salt, pepper, and Mexican spices like cumin and chili powder. Grill or pan-sear the chicken until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the cooked chicken rest for 5-10 minutes, then slice or dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, spreading as a base in a large serving bowl.
- Dice fresh tomatoes and ripe avocados into small, uniform cubes.
- Drain and rinse black beans and corn. If using canned corn, ensure it's well-drained.
- Shred or crumble the cheddar cheese into small pieces.
- Layer the salad by first placing the chopped lettuce, then adding the diced chicken on top.
- Sprinkle black beans and corn evenly across the salad.
- Add diced tomatoes and avocado pieces strategically around the salad.
- Scatter the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Drizzle ranch dressing generously just before serving, ensuring even coverage.
- Gently toss the salad to mix ingredients and distribute dressing if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your El Paso Chicken Salad chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, marinate your chicken in the Mexican spices for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the taste profile.
- Use freshly grilled chicken for the best texture and flavor, but rotisserie chicken works great as a time-saving alternative.
- Choose ripe avocados that are slightly soft to the touch for the creamiest texture.
- For extra crunch, consider toasting some corn tortilla strips as a garnish.
- To keep the salad fresh, add the dressing just before serving to prevent soggy ingredients.
- For a lighter version, swap ranch dressing with a homemade lime-cilantro vinaigrette.
- If preparing in advance, store ingredients separately and assemble just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
