Description
Loaded Chicken Taco Salad with Creamy Lime-Cilantro Dressing is a fresh and vibrant dish that brings all the delicious flavors of tacos into a hearty salad. This recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken with crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and crunchy tortilla chips, all drizzled with a homemade creamy lime-cilantro dressing that truly elevates the dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this customizable salad can cater to any palate while being packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1.25-ounce packet taco seasoning (divided)
- 4 cups romaine lettuce
- 1 or 2 medium tomatoes (diced)
- 1/2 cup canned corn (drained)
- 1/2 cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 medium Hass avocado (peeled and diced)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (monterey Jack and cheddar blend recommended)
- 1 cup seasoned tortilla chips (crushed)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (lite okay)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (lite okay; plain Greek yogurt may be substituted)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add bite-sized chicken pieces and sprinkle with taco seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally until fully cooked. Allow the chicken to rest off heat.
- On a large platter, layer romaine lettuce followed by tomatoes, corn, black beans, avocado, shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and finally the cooked chicken.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, and taco seasoning until smooth.
- Stir in minced cilantro to the dressing and adjust lime juice if needed. Drizzle dressing over the salad before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize ingredients based on your preferences; add bell peppers for extra crunch or use different cheeses as desired. For meal prep convenience, make chicken and dressing ahead of time to save effort when assembling.