Get ready to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Mexican Chicken Salad! Imagine a vibrant dish that combines tender shredded chicken, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and a tantalizing honey cilantro dressing that will transport your senses straight to the heart of Mexico. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a refreshing dinner, or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, this recipe promises to be your new go-to sensation that's not just a salad, but a flavor explosion waiting to happen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup black beans, drained
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. If you haven't done so already, cook and shred the chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or boil chicken breasts until fully cooked, then shred them with two forks.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, diced red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro. Use a spatula to gently mix the ingredients together until evenly distributed.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the honey cilantro dressing. Add the honey and lime juice to the bowl, and whisk together until the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the honey cilantro dressing over the chicken salad mixture. Gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
- Once seasoned, let the salad sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps the dressing to soak into the ingredients.
- Before serving, give the salad one last gentle toss. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
- For an added touch, consider garnishing with extra cilantro or lime wedges. This salad can be enjoyed on its own or served with tortilla chips for a delightful crunch.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken and let it cool slightly before mixing.
- Drain black beans and corn thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes after dressing to allow flavors to develop and meld together.
- For extra freshness, use fresh cilantro and squeeze lime juice just before mixing.
- Customize the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like it spicy.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Serve with crispy tortilla chips, in lettuce wraps, or over a bed of mixed greens for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg
