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Chicken Taco Salad

Chicken Taco Salad combines seasoned ground chicken, crisp romaine, corn, black beans, avocado, and cilantro vinaigrette.
Ready in about 35 minutes.
A fresh, healthy Tex-Mex salad that's perfect for lunch or dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 18 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Tex-Mex

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • ¼ cup water

For the Salad

  • 3 heads baby romaine lettuce thinly shredded
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • ½ cup grated cheddar cheese or crumbled Cotija cheese
  • 2 ears fresh corn kernels removed
  • 2 ripe avocados diced
  • 3 scallions sliced
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • A few tablespoons chopped red onion
  • 1 cup canned black beans rinsed and drained

Cilantro Vinaigrette

  • 1 shallot roughly chopped
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 garlic clove
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Add the shallot, cilantro, garlic, red pepper flakes, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper to a food processor. Blend until smooth to make the cilantro vinaigrette.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Add the ground chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.
  • In a large serving bowl, add half of the shredded romaine lettuce.
  • Layer half of the tomatoes, corn, black beans, cheese, avocado, scallions, cilantro, and red onion over the lettuce.
  • Repeat with the remaining lettuce and toppings.
  • Spoon the warm seasoned chicken over the salad.
  • Drizzle the Chicken Taco Salad with the cilantro vinaigrette and gently toss before serving.

Notes

  • Ground turkey can be substituted for ground chicken.
  • Cotija cheese offers a more authentic Mexican flavor.
  • Greek yogurt can replace cheese for a lighter option.
  • Add cooked quinoa or brown rice for an even heartier meal.