Get ready to transform your dinner routine with the most mouthwatering Mexican-inspired salad that combines the zesty kick of enchiladas with the fresh crunch of a taco salad! This isn't just another recipe - it's a culinary adventure that will have your taste buds dancing and your family begging for seconds. In just 50 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that's packed with protein, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to become your new favorite go-to meal.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can enchilada sauce
- 4 cups lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup corn, canned or frozen
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed
- 1 cup cheese, shredded
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup salsa
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by shredding the cooked meat into bite-sized pieces. If using raw chicken, season and cook thoroughly before shredding.
- In a medium skillet, warm the enchilada sauce over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the sauce and become flavorful.
- While the chicken is simmering, chop the lettuce and prepare the other fresh ingredients. Drain and rinse the black beans, and drain the corn if using canned.
- In a large serving bowl or individual plates, create a bed of chopped lettuce as the base of the salad.
- Layer the sauced chicken evenly over the lettuce, ensuring good coverage.
- Top the chicken with corn, black beans, and sprinkle shredded cheese over the entire salad.
- Garnish with diced avocado and add salsa on top or serve on the side.
- For added texture, consider crumbling tortilla chips over the salad or serving them alongside.
- Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm, ensuring all ingredients are fresh and crisp.
Tips
- Chicken Preparation Hack: For maximum flavor, use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken, or quickly season and grill fresh chicken breasts for the most tender results.
- Sauce Absorption Trick: Simmer the chicken in enchilada sauce slowly to help the meat absorb maximum flavor and remain incredibly juicy.
- Temperature Matters: Serve the chicken warm over crisp, cold lettuce to create a delightful temperature contrast that makes each bite exciting.
- Customization Options: - Make it spicy by adding jalapeños or hot sauce - Go vegetarian by substituting chicken with grilled tofu or additional beans - Add crunch with tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare components separately and assemble just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and crisp.
- Dietary Modifications: Easily make this gluten-free by using corn tortilla chips and checking enchilada sauce ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
