It’s a hearty Tex-Mex chopped chicken salad. The dish is unified in established Mediterranean lettuce, and it contains juicy veggies in the creamy spicy and zesty-warm ranch dressing.

It has a blast of flavor that, with its varied textures of crunchy tortilla chips, creamy cheese, and juicy tomatoes, will make one feel like they have had a whole new party in their mouth. Perfect as a hearty lunch or dinner meal to feed family or friends at a potluck, this salad is also versatile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It is absolutely mood-uplifting, makes everyone feel good from within and gives you a lot of energy to spend all your day. You’ll be in idea to have this dinnertime, and have pieces of great juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and long soft cheese. It can be made easily, and certainly, your party side dish will be ready as well.

Key Ingredients

Chicken: It furnishes protein as well as underlays the author salad. For convenience, use rotisserie chicken, or for a smoky flavor, grill some chicken.

Romaine: The light, crispy foundation of the salad into which creamy dressing is absorbed well.

Roma Tomatoes: They provide that sought-after sweet and juicy blast of freshness to offset the other flavors.

Cucumber: It offers freshness by means of its lighter and juicier crunchiness inherent in cucumbers.

Corn Kernels: They’re sweet and crisp with that Tex-Mex touch.

Beans, Black: Black beans are creamy and hearty, generously adding fiber and body to any salad.

Cheddar or Jack Cheese: Soft texture, smoky taste, and mild tang would all pair well with the Tex-Mex spice.

Cilantro, and Lime: They are some of the timeless flavors in Tex-Mex for some interest in lightening it up and tying it all together with ingredients.

Taco-Seasoned Ranch Dressing: This will absolutely bring the dish to a new dimension as creamy ranch, taco.

Tortillachips: To provide lots of crunch and a few saltynotes to it, not to forget its essence of totally Tex-Mex flavor.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine:
1 cup of ranch dressing
2 tablespoons of taco seasoning
Stir until well blended.
Chill the Dressing: Place the mixture in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

Cook and Dice Chicken: Cook and cool 3 cups of chicken, then dice into bite-sized pieces. Use rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts for convenience.
Chop Romaine: Chop 4 cups of Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
Dice Tomatoes: Dice 2 Roma tomatoes. Remove seeds if desired.
Seed and Dice Cucumber: Seed and dice 1 cucumber to avoid excess moisture.
Measure Corn: Measure 1 cup of corn kernels (thawed if frozen).
Slice Green Onions: Thinly slice 4–5 green onions.
Rinse Black Beans: Drain and rinse 1 (15 oz) can of black beans.
Cube Cheese: Cube 4 oz of cheddar or pepper jack cheese into ¼” cubes.
Chop Cilantro: Chop ¼ cup of fresh cilantro leaves.
Juice Lime: Juice half a lime for added freshness.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together:
Diced chicken
Chopped Romaine lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Diced cucumber
Corn kernels
Sliced green onions
Black beans
Cheese cubes
Add Cilantro and Lime: Sprinkle in the cilantro and drizzle with the lime juice. Toss to combine evenly.

Step 4: Add the Dressing

Dress the Salad: Remove the dressing from the refrigerator. Gradually add it to the salad, tossing gently to coat the ingredients.
Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve the Salad

Add Crunch: Just before serving, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the top for added texture.
Optional Garnishes: Add any of the following for extra flavor:
Diced jalapeño
Toasted pumpkin seeds
Diced avocado
Jicama slices
Serve Immediately: Serve fresh to enjoy the crisp vegetables and crunchy tortilla chips.

Serving Suggestions

This salad certainly stands out as a complete meal in itself but here are a few ideas that might work well:

Pair it with a Bowl of Soup: Maybe tortilla soup, or black bean soup!
Or, Let it Act as the Topping: Use this cold dish in tacos, burritos, or lettuce cups.
Best for a Party: Present this in a big, colorful bowl and maybe throw in some extra avocados and some pumpkin seed garnish on top of the salad for a big impact at potluck dinners or BBQs.
Go-Along: Margaritas or even a really good, refreshing fizzy water flavored with lime.

Storage Tips

Cold Storage: Pack up the washed salad in airtight containers and keep it in the refrigerator for no longer than 3 days. Then reassemble salad elements, including the dressing and tortilla chips, just before serving-somehow this does manage to keep the vegetables crisp.
Meal Prep: Assemble all salad ingredients in separate containers, mix everything together with the dressnig when consumed. It keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess.
Leftover Dressing: Place spare taco-flavored ranch dressing in a small jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It’s excellent with fresh veggies or on other salads.

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Just leave the chicken out, add more black beans, corn, and diced avocado to get a hearty meat-free version.
Spicy Kick: Put some diced jalapeño or a touch of hot sauce into it for a fiery touch.
Southwest Twist: Use crumbled cornbread to replace the tortilla chips or add roasted red peppers for a rough southwest vibe.
Lightened-Up Version: Substitute a light ranch dressing or plain Greek yogurt with taco seasoning for a reduced-calorie dressing.
Extra Protein: Throw in some cooked quinoa or slices of hard-boiled egg for an additional protein boost.

Conclusion

That’s not everything about this Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad; it’s actually a good balance of hearty, fresh, and zesty. It contains all of the nutritious ingredients you’re after, and its bold flavors would satisfy even the pickiest palates. You shall prepare this on Sunday and eat it all week, or you shall break it out next time your friends come over, and trust that it will be a hit. You could top it with your favorite add-ons. Voila! Have it-the flawless Tex-Mex dish that is too simple to prepare and way enjoyable down your tummy.