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Quesadilla Explosion Salad (Chili’s Copycat)

Quesadilla Explosion Salad (Chili's Copycat)

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

  1. 4 cups mixed greens
  2. 1 cup grilled chicken, diced
  3. 1/2 cup black beans
  4. 1/2 cup corn
  5. 1 cup shredded cheese
  6. 4 small cheese quesadillas, cut into wedges
  7. Ranch dressing
  8. 1/4 cup salsa
  9. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced grilled chicken, black beans, and corn. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
  4. Season the salad mixture with salt and pepper to taste. You can start with a pinch of each and adjust according to your preference.
  5. To serve, divide the salad mixture among four plates or bowls. Top each serving with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Serve immediately while the quesadillas are warm and the salad is fresh. Enjoy your Quesadilla Explosion Salad!

Tips

  1. 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!
  2. 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.
  3. Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add extra toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or avocado to make the salad your own.
  4. Dressing Pro Tip: Make your Ranch dressing even more exciting by mixing in a little salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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