This Chicken Taco Salad Recipe combines seasoned ground chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and cheese with a zesty cilantro-lime vinaigrette.
author’s note
Why you’ll love this family favorite recipe!
I almost always make up a batch of taco meat at the start of the week. I wouldn’t call it meal prep, but I’ve found that having a solid protein and some kind of base ready in the fridge makes lunches and dinners go a lot smoother. It gives me options without locking me into a plan.
This week, I had leftover taco meat and no desire to turn it into tacos again. So I grabbed a bowl and started building a salad with the basics I had on hand. Romaine, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and cheese. Simple, familiar ingredients that always work.
At the last minute, I made my cilantro lime dressing. It’s one I can throw together by heart, and it’s my go to when I want something bright and bold. Once everything was tossed together, I took one bite and knew this one was special. It ended up being one of the yummiest dinners I’ve made in a long time, and I knew right away I had to share this Chicken Taco Salad Recipe.
Chicken Taco Salad Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swaps or Tips |
|---|---|
| Ground chicken | Ground turkey works great too |
| Taco seasoning | from-scratch seasoning works well |
| Romaine lettuce | Iceberg or chopped hearts also work |
| Black beans | Pinto beans are a good swap |
| Fresh corn | Frozen corn works when sautéed |
| Avocado | Add right before serving |
| Cheddar cheese | Colby Jack is also great |
How To Make Chicken Taco Salad Recipe
- Blend the dressing and chill it so the flavors can come together.
- Cook the ground chicken with onion, garlic, and taco seasoning until browned.
- Chop and fully dry the lettuce so the salad stays crisp.
- Prep the beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and cheese.
- Toss everything together and add dressing just before serving.
Quick Tip
If you prefer, you can swap out ground turkey or ground beef for the chicken in this recipe. It will taste a bit heartier, but otherwise, it’s pretty much the same.
Tips For The Best Salad
- Slice lettuce thinly for better dressing coverage and easier eating in your chicken taco salad.
- Thoroughly dry washed lettuce to avoid a soggy chicken taco salad. Read more about how to prep your lettuce here.
- Ensure ripe avocados for creaminess; gently press to check ripeness.
Storage
Leftovers: Dress the chicken taco salad just before eating to avoid soggy lettuce. Store dressing and salad separately. Keep avocado separate to prevent browning.
Make Ahead: Prepare salad components in advance. Store dressing in the fridge; shake well before using. If the dressing solidifies, let it warm up for 20-30 minutes before shaking to remix.
More satisfying Salad Recipes:
Salads
Kale And Avocado Salad
Dressings
Creamy Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Salads
Greek Pasta Salad
Salads
Apple Salad Recipe
