Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad

If you love romaine lettuce, this Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad will be your favorite. Because apart from the chicken, it is its main ingredient and it always looks for it to be as crispy as possible. Also, it is not a simple salad and therefore, you will love it.

You’ll love this super simple, delicious Tex-Mex inspired chicken salad! You’ve had Tex-Mex sandwiches, pizza, and tacos.

And you’ve loved each of them for their crunchy, cheesy, and comforting flavors. But what about a Tex-Mex chopped chicken salad?

Sounds like a guilty pleasure cloaked in a healthy disguise. It’s crunchy, creamy, and full of flavor. But it’s not heavy on your stomach. What more could you want? I love it so much. I can stuff my face with this salad for days!

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why Does Everyone Love Tex-Mex Chicken Salad?

I’m guessing the number 1 reason is that it’s not the usual chop-and-toss green salad. It has surprises hidden in the texture and flavor profile. The peculiar taco flavor shines through in the ranch dressing, and the crunch from the Romaine lettuce feels so good to the senses.

But for people like me, quick meal-prepping is the biggest attraction. You can whip up 8 servings of this salad in 20 minutes. Woah!

What Flavor Variations Can I Try?

I’d say ask your taste buds. You can try however many variations you like. And whatever comes to mind. Yes, it is that versatile. Just see that the ingredients belong together. Here, try what I tried:

• Italian: peppers, salami, onions, and Romaine lettuce, with a balsamic vinaigrette
• Greek: feta cheese, Kalamata olives, cucumber, and romaine lettuce
• Asian: seared tofu, cucumber, sesame seeds, and Romaine lettuce
• Classic Cobb: chopped egg, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, and Romaine lettuce

What Can I Serve with Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad?

It’s a great main dish on its own. But you can add a side of garlic bread or tortilla chips to give it depth. If you’re hosting a big gathering, try some classic sides like rice, beans, and guacamole. The simplest way to serve it is with a few wedges of lime. That adds a zesty twist to the dish, and it looks so appetizing.

Ingredients for Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad:

Dressing:

• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 2 Tbsp taco seasoning, hot or mild
• Salad:
• 3 cups chicken, cooked, cooled, and diced
• 4 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped, about 1 head
• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, seeded and diced
• 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
• 4-5 green onions, sliced
• 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, or pepper jack, cut into ¼” cubes
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• juice of 1/2 of a lime
• 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
• jalapeño, diced, toasted pumpkin seeds, diced avocado, or jicama for garnish (optional)

What do you need to make Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad:

How do you make Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad:

Step 1: Stir together all the ingredients for the dressing in a bowl. Take to the fridge until it’s ready to use.

Step 2: In a large bowl, add the ingredients for the salad and mix carefully. Gradually, add the dressing and mix until it’s coated. 

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Step 3: Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy! 

Enjoy! 

Now, remember to save this recipe on Pinterest for later 🙂

Tex-Mex Chicken Salad Tips and Tricks

• The fresher the ingredients, the better the crunchiness. And that, of course, improves the flavor.
• Use your arm strength to mix everything super well. You want every inch of the salad covered in divine dressing.
• You can add chopped grilled chicken at the end, so it stays warm and fresh.
• Only make as much as you’ll need. It’s not the best food to store for later.

Can I Store the Leftover Salad?

Storing Tex-Mex chopped chicken salad leftovers doesn’t work for me. The ingredients lose their crunch, and it’s a soggy affair. But if you leave out the crunchy items on the list, like lettuce, cucumber, and tomato, you may be able to keep it for up to 3 days. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Check some of my delicious salads below:

Greek Orzo Salad – This Greek Orzo Salad is totally customizable to whatever ingredients you have in your pantry and fridge!

Bologna Salad – Making Old-Fashioned BOLOGNA SALAD.

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad With Peas – If you are looking for an easy, delicious pasta recipe, this Bacon Ranch Pasta with Peas is so quick to make that you will be surprised!

Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad – The best salads always have a bit of everything, and this Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad is no exception.