Creamy Taco Chicken Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Taco Chicken Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines tender shredded chicken with a zesty, creamy dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, it’s packed with fresh veggies and a hint of spice.
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded chicken breast
- 4 ounce can green chiles
- 1 cup cooked corn (drained)
- 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 small red bell pepper (diced)
- ½ red onion (diced)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, green chiles, corn, black beans, diced bell pepper, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa, taco seasoning, and fresh lime juice until smooth.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Step 4: Garnish with additional cilantro before serving if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- Add diced avocado for creaminess and extra nutrition.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Serve with tortilla chips or over a bed of lettuce for a taco salad twist.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again. This salad is best enjoyed chilled but can be brought to room temperature if preferred.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad holds up well when made ahead. Preparing it a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the taco seasoning and salsa labels to confirm they contain no gluten.
PrintCreamy Taco Chicken Salad Recipe
This Creamy Taco Chicken Salad is a flavorful and refreshing dish perfect for a light meal or a party appetizer. Combining shredded chicken with a creamy dressing infused with taco seasoning and fresh lime juice, plus colorful vegetables like red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro, it offers a delightful blend of textures and zest. Easy to prepare and served cold, it’s an ideal salad for taco lovers seeking a quick and healthy option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Main Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded chicken breast
- 4 ounce can green chiles
- 1 cup cooked corn (drained)
- 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 small red bell pepper (diced)
- ½ red onion (diced)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, green chiles, cooked corn, black beans, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro until well integrated.
- Make the Dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa, taco seasoning, and fresh lime juice until smooth and creamy.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is coated evenly with the dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the salad with additional fresh cilantro to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve chilled for the best taste.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time on shredding.
- Adjust taco seasoning amount based on spice preference.
- For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- This salad can be served as a main dish or as a filling for wraps and tacos.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Creamy Taco Chicken Salad, chicken salad, taco salad, Mexican chicken salad, no-cook salad, quick salad recipe, creamy dressing
