If you love tacos and are looking for a fresh, vibrant way to enjoy the same flavors, this Taco Chicken Salad is a must-try. Packed with shredded chicken, black beans, veggies, and a creamy taco-seasoned dressing, it’s a perfect blend of flavor and texture. This salad is quick to throw together and makes for a delicious lunch, light dinner, or side dish. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your tastes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Bold Flavors: With taco seasoning, pickled jalapeños, and roasted red peppers, every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with protein and fiber, this salad is both nutritious and filling.
- Versatile: You can easily tweak the ingredients to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This Taco Chicken Salad is for anyone who enjoys the bold, savory flavors of tacos but is looking for a lighter, fresher way to enjoy them. Whether you’re a busy professional needing a quick lunch, a home cook looking for a new salad recipe, or someone who loves Mexican-inspired flavors, this recipe will hit the spot.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 cup shredded chicken
- ½ 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- ¼ red onion, diced
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, diced
- ¼ cup pickled jalapeños, finely diced
- ½ cup lettuce, sliced
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ tbsp taco seasoning
- Green onion, chopped (optional)
For Homemade Taco Seasoning:
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch of dried oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne powder (optional for heat)
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the 1 cup of shredded chicken, ½ can of black beans (rinsed and drained), ¼ diced red onion, ½ cup of diced roasted red peppers, ¼ cup of pickled jalapeños, ½ cup of sliced lettuce, and ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Toss all the ingredients together until well mixed.
2. Make the Taco Dressing
In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup of mayonnaise with ½ tablespoon of taco seasoning. If you’re using homemade taco seasoning, combine 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp sea salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, a pinch of dried oregano, and ½ tsp cayenne powder (optional) in a separate bowl and use ½ tablespoon of this blend for the dressing.
3. Dress the Salad
Pour the taco-seasoned mayonnaise dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Serve
Serve the salad immediately, garnished with chopped green onions if desired. You can enjoy it as a standalone dish or pair it with tortilla chips, tacos, or even a side of rice.
Tips and Tricks
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken.
- Add Crunch: For extra texture, top the salad with crushed tortilla chips or crispy tortilla strips.
- Spice It Up: If you like heat, add extra pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
