Imagine a salad that's not just a boring pile of greens, but a flavor-packed culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance! The Quesadilla Explosion Salad is the ultimate Mexican-American fusion dish that transforms an ordinary salad into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Crispy quesadilla wedges, juicy grilled chicken, and a vibrant mix of fresh ingredients come together to create a meal that's both satisfying and exciting. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dish at home, this copycat recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup grilled chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup black beans
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 4 small cheese quesadillas, cut into wedges
- Ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup salsa
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 cups of mixed greens, 1 cup of diced grilled chicken, 1/2 cup of black beans, 1/2 cup of corn, 1 cup of shredded cheese, 4 small cheese quesadillas, Ranch dressing, 1/4 cup of salsa, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the quesadillas. If you don’t have pre-made cheese quesadillas, you can make them by placing shredded cheese between two small tortillas. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil if desired, and cook each quesadilla for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and cut into wedges.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced grilled chicken, black beans, and corn. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Season the salad mixture with salt and pepper to taste. You can start with a pinch of each and adjust according to your preference.
- To serve, divide the salad mixture among four plates or bowls. Top each serving with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
- Arrange the quesadilla wedges on top of the salad. You can place them in a circular pattern around the salad or stack them in the center for a more visually appealing presentation.
- Drizzle Ranch dressing over the top of each salad, adding as much or as little as you prefer. Then, add a spoonful of salsa to each plate for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve immediately while the quesadillas are warm and the salad is fresh. Enjoy your Quesadilla Explosion Salad!
Tips
- Chicken Perfection: For the best flavor, use freshly grilled chicken or leftover grilled chicken. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works great too!
- Quesadilla Hack: For extra crispy quesadillas, use a cast-iron skillet or griddle and press down slightly while cooking to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add extra toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or avocado to make the salad your own.
- Dressing Pro Tip: Make your Ranch dressing even more exciting by mixing in a little salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Meal Prep Friendly: You can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving to keep the quesadillas crisp and the greens fresh.
- Temperature Matters: Serve the salad immediately after assembling to enjoy the warm quesadillas contrasting with the cool, crisp greens.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg