Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines zesty Mexican flavors with a refreshing twist? Look no further! This Spicy Mexican Style Chicken Salad is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico. Packed with protein, bursting with fresh ingredients, and delivering a kick of spice, this salad is perfect for those who want a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal that takes just 25 minutes to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean workspace. Make sure the cooked chicken is diced into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of diced cooked chicken, 1 can of rinsed and drained black beans, and 1 cup of corn kernels. Stir gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Add the diced avocado to the bowl. Be careful not to mash the avocado as you mix; you want to keep the pieces intact for texture.
- Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes and the chopped cilantro to the mixture. The tomatoes will add a fresh burst of flavor while the cilantro will provide a lovely aromatic touch.
- In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by squeezing the juice of 1 lime. Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
- Pour the lime dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice according to your preference.
- Once the salad is well mixed and seasoned, let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Spicy Mexican Style Chicken Salad in individual bowls or on a large platter. Enjoy it as a refreshing main dish or a side salad!
Tips
- Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- For maximum freshness, prepare the salad just before serving to keep the avocado from browning.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili powder to suit your taste.
- For added crunch, consider topping the salad with toasted pumpkin seeds or crushed tortilla chips.
- If you prefer a creamier dressing, mix in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Choose ripe but firm avocados to maintain the perfect texture in your salad.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with grilled tofu or additional beans.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 75mg
