Healthy Mexican Chicken Salad: A Flavor Packet Recipe -

Tasty Mexican Chicken Salad Recipe in 20 Minutes

Growing up in Chihuahua, Mexico, our family’s birthday parties were always lively. They were filled with music, colors, and delicious homemade food. My grandmother’s Mexican chicken salad was a favorite. It was a mix of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and an irresistible creamy dressing.

Today, I’m excited to share a quick version of this recipe. It takes just 20 minutes to make. It’s great for busy weekdays, potlucks, or when you want a taste of Mexico.

Key Takeaways

This Mexican chicken salad recipe is easy to prepare and comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect choice for quick meals.
The recipe uses rotisserie chicken, which saves time and effort while still delivering amazing flavor.
The dish is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, from lettuce wraps to tostada shells.
It’s make-ahead friendly, so you can prepare it in advance and enjoy it for up to four days in the refrigerator.
The combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a zesty dressing creates a delicious and authentic Mexican taste experience.

Why This 20-Minute Mexican Chicken Salad Will Become Your Favorite

Get ready to love this tasty Mexican chicken salad that’s ready in 20 minutes. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for when you’re in a rush. You’ll enjoy a delicious and healthy meal in no time.

Perfect for Quick Meals

This chicken salad is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s ready in just 20 minutes. Whether you need a quick lunch or a filling dinner, this Mexican chicken salad is ideal.

Versatile Serving Options

This chicken salad is incredibly versatile. You can serve it on greens, in wraps, or with tortilla chips. It pairs well with many Mexican dishes, like chicken salad on tostadas or chicken salad mexican style.

Make-Ahead Friendly

This Mexican chicken salad is great for making ahead. It stays fresh for days when stored in the fridge. Prepare it early for a tasty meal whenever you want.

This Mexican chicken salad is a hit with its vibrant flavors and easy prep. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a big event. It’s sure to be a family favorite.

Essential Ingredients for Mexican Chicken Salad Recipe

To make a delicious Mexican chicken salad, you need the right ingredients. These ingredients should mix well together. Here are the main parts:

Shredded rotisserie chicken, provides the protein-packed base
Whole plain yogurt and mayonnaise, create a creamy, tangy dressing
Diced onion, red bell pepper, and celery, adding crunchy texture and fresh flavors
Chopped green onions, lend a subtle onion taste and vibrant color
Freshly squeezed lime juice, brightens the overall flavor profile
A blend of spices like cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and chili powder, infusing the dish with authentic Tex-Mex flair

For a lighter version, use low-fat cottage cheese and non-fat Greek yogurt instead of full-fat dairy. Adding fresh veggies like cucumber, radish, and avocado can also add crunch and flavor.

Ingredient	Quantity
Rotisserie Chicken, shredded	4 cups
Whole Plain Yogurt	3/4 cup
Mayonnaise	3/4 cup
Onion, diced	1 cup
Red Bell Pepper, diced	1 cup
Celery, diced	1 cup
Green Onions, thinly sliced	1/2 cup
Lime Juice	2 tablespoons
Cumin	1 teaspoon
Paprika	1 teaspoon
Oregano	1/2 teaspoon
Garlic Powder	1/2 teaspoon
Chili Powder	1/4 teaspoon

With these key chicken salad ingredients, you’re ready to make a tasty Tex-Mex chicken salad. It’s sure to be a hit in your home.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Making a tasty Mexican Chicken Salad is simple. You can make an easy chicken salad, a southwest chicken salad, or a grilled chicken salad in just 30 minutes. It’s easy and quick.

Preparing the Chicken

You can use a rotisserie chicken or shred cooked chicken breasts in an Instant Pot. If you like to grill, season the chicken with your favorite spices. Cook it until it’s fully cooked.

Let the chicken cool a bit. Then, shred or dice it into small pieces.

Mixing the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with spices. Use chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and lime juice. Whisk until it’s smooth and creamy.

Combining the Ingredients

In a big bowl, mix the chicken with the dressing. For a dairy-free option, use non-dairy mayonnaise. Add diced bell peppers, corn, black beans, and shredded cheese slowly.

This way, all the ingredients are mixed well. The Mexican Chicken Salad can be made ahead of time. Chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to eat it. It’s perfect for quick meals and meal prep.

Fresh Vegetables and Add-ins for Maximum Flavor

To make your mexican salad dressing or taco salad with chicken better, add fresh veggies and tasty add-ins. These not only make it taste great but also make it healthier.

Begin with crisp romaine lettuce as the base. Then, add juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and black beans for a full meal.

Fresh or frozen corn kernels add a sweet and crunchy element to the salad.
Chopped cilantro lends a bright, herbaceous flavor.
Diced jalapeño or serrano chili peppers can provide a delightful kick of heat for those who enjoy a little spice.
Scallions or diced red onion offer a savory, aromatic touch.
For added crunch, consider dicing up fresh cucumber or celery.

These ingredients make your mexican salad dressing or taco salad with chicken taste better and healthier. They add vibrant colors, textures, and bold flavors to your salad.

Ingredient	Quantity
Romaine lettuce, chopped	4 cups
Tomatoes, diced	1 cup
Avocado, sliced	1 medium
Black beans, drained and rinsed	1 (15 oz) can
Corn kernels (fresh or frozen)	1 cup
Cilantro, chopped	1/4 cup
Jalapeño, diced (optional)	1 tablespoon
Scallions, sliced	2 tablespoons
Cucumber, diced (optional)	1/2 cup

This mexican salad dressing or taco salad with chicken recipe is very flexible. You can try different veggies, change the amounts, and add or remove things to make it your own.

Homemade Mexican Green Goddess Dressing

Make your mexican chicken salad or ensalada de pollo tostadas even better with our homemade dressing. It’s creamy and full of fresh herbs, perfect for the bold flavors of your salad.

Dressing Ingredients

2/3 cup yogurt or Vegenaise (for a dairy-free version)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
2 scallions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 jalapeño, seeded and minced
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
1 tablespoon honey

Mixing Instructions

Just mix all the ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. You can adjust the taste by adding more lime juice or honey.

Storage Tips

Keep the dressing in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. It gets even better over time. For a dairy-free version, use Vegenaise instead of yogurt.

This homemade Mexican Green Goddess Dressing will change your mexican chicken salad or ensalada de pollo tostadas game. Its bright flavors and smooth texture will take your salad to the next level. Try it out and enjoy!

Creative Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Mexican chicken salad is incredibly versatile. You can serve it on crispy corn or flour tostadas for a true Mexican taste. Or, scoop it up with crunchy tortilla chips or crackers for a tasty snack. For a healthier choice, enjoy it over a fresh green salad or in crunchy lettuce wraps.

Looking for something new? Try the Mexican chicken salad on toasted bread, rice cakes, or even jicama “tortillas”. Add a kick with pickled jalapeños or extra creamy avocado and fragrant cilantro.

Serve on corn or flour tostadas
Enjoy with tortilla chips or crackers
Try it over a green salad or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option
Spoon it onto toasted bread, rice cakes, or jicama “tortillas”
Top with pickled jalapeños, avocado, or extra cilantro for added flavor

No matter how you serve it, this Mexican chicken salad will be a hit. Its bold flavors and flexibility make it great for any meal or snack.

Nutritional Benefits and Macro Breakdown

This chicken salad recipe is not just tasty but also full of good stuff. It combines lean tex-mex chicken salad with fresh veggies. This makes it a great pick for a healthy diet.

Each serving of this Mexican chicken salad has about:

Calories: 363
Protein: 28g
Fat: 21g (Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.03g)
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 670mg

The salad is a powerhouse of protein, with almost 28 grams per serving. This helps with muscle repair and upkeep. The dressing, made with mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, adds creaminess without too much fat.

The salad also has fresh veggies like bell peppers, jalapeños, and corn. These add important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This makes the Mexican chicken salad a nutritious and balanced meal.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	363 kcal	18%
Protein	28g	56%
Fat	21g	32%
Carbohydrates	17g	6%
Fiber	3g	11%
Sodium	670mg	29%

This healthy chicken salad recipe has a good mix of nutrients. It’s a great choice for a meal that’s both nutritious and filling.

Chicken Salad Recipe

“Craving a creamy, savory delight? Try our Chicken Salad Recipe—your new go-to for fresh, flavorful bites!”

Conclusion

This 20-minute Mexican chicken salad recipe is perfect for quick meals or gatherings. It’s full of flavor and nutritious. The mix of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing makes it a hit.

It’s great for a quick lunch, a potluck, or a healthy dinner. The fast prep and make-ahead options are perfect for busy days. Enjoy its vibrant flavors and health benefits in your meals.

This Mexican chicken salad is a balanced and satisfying meal. You can add your favorite ingredients and serve it in many ways. Enjoy the fresh, zesty taste and feel good about eating something healthy.

FAQ

What are the key ingredients in this Mexican chicken salad?

The main ingredients are shredded rotisserie chicken, whole plain yogurt, and mayo. You’ll also need onion, red bell pepper, and celery. Green onion, lime juice, and spices like cumin and chili powder are also used.

Can this salad be made in advance?

Yes, you can make the Mexican chicken salad ahead of time. It stays fresh when covered and chilled for days. It’s great for meal prep or parties.

How can I serve this Mexican chicken salad?

Serve it with wraps, bread, or chips. It’s also good on corn or flour tortillas. Try it over Cilantro-Lime rice or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

What are some additional fresh vegetables and add-ins I can add?

Add fresh veggies like corn, romaine lettuce, and ripe tomatoes. Black beans and avocado are also great. For extra flavor, add chopped cilantro, jalapeño, and scallions.

What is the nutritional profile of this Mexican chicken salad?

This salad is rich in protein and veggies, making it healthy. It’s gluten-free and can be dairy-free. Each serving has about 420 calories, 50g protein, 21g fat, and 8g carbs.