Chicken Taco Chopped Salad (Print view)

Taco-seasoned chicken with crisp lettuce, fresh veggies, tortilla chips, and creamy salsa ranch dressing.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
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
16 - Juice of 1/2 lime

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
02 - Cook chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, tomato salsa, and lime juice until smooth and fully combined. Set aside.
04 - In a large bowl, combine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn kernels, red onion, cheese, and avocado.
05 - Add chopped chicken to the salad mixture and drizzle with salsa ranch dressing. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
06 - Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the top immediately before serving to preserve crunchiness. Serve right away.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Everything you love about tacos happens in one bowl without the carb-heavy shell
  • The homemade salsa ranch dressing will become your new go-to for everything
  • Perfect for those nights when you want something fresh but still satisfying
02 -
  • Adding the tortilla chips at the very last second is what separates a good salad from a great one
  • The warm chicken against cold vegetables creates this incredible temperature contrast that makes every bite exciting
  • This salad needs to be eaten the same day—the lettuce and chips don't love overnight storage
03 -
  • Cut your vegetables uniformly so every forkful gets all the flavors
  • Let the chicken rest properly—those juices need to redistribute or you'll lose all the moisture
  • Crush your tortilla chips by hand for rustic, varied sizes that feel more satisfying
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