Tex-Mex Chicken Chopped Salad

 

Tex-Mex Chicken Chopped Salad is a flavorful and satisfying salad that combines the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine with fresh, crisp ingredients. Here's a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (you can use fresh, canned, or frozen, depending on availability)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips for crunch (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

For the Chicken:

• Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat.
• Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season them with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
• Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

For the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey or agave nectar, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Assembly:

• In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, avocado, and fresh cilantro.
• Add the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad.
• If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the salad.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well combined.
• Serve the Tex-Mex Chicken Chopped Salad immediately, garnished with tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.

Feel free to customize this salad to your liking by adding ingredients like diced jalapeños, sour cream, or a dollop of guacamole. Enjoy your Tex-Mex Chicken Chopped Salad as a hearty and flavorful meal!