Best Mexican Chicken Salad Recipe: Spicy & Delicious

Chickpea salad and Mexican chicken salad are two of the best things about cooking. Chickpea salad is fresh and tasty, and Mexican food has strong tastes that are perfect and memorable. This beautiful and tasty dish has reached tables across Mexico and beyond. Its perfect mix of textures and tastes has made it so popular that everyone loves to try it now. 

The great thing about this salad is that it can turn boring meals into fun ones that the whole family loves. You can put it on a bed of crisp lettuce and serve it cold, spread it on crunchy tostadas, or serve it as a dip at parties and other events. 

The tasty food is great for both family dinners and parties. It’s easy to make this salad ahead of time, so home cooks love it. Your choices will let you change the flavors to suit your tastes. The ingredients are easy to find in most food stores. 

This salad can be made mild or spicy, with lots of veggies or with few. You can change it to fit your needs. You can be creative with Mexican chicken salad in more ways than one. You can bring it to work or school for a quick meal, or serve it as a light dinner. It’s also a great dish for a party that everyone will remember and love.

Best Mexican Chicken Salad Recipe: Spicy & Delicious

Recipe by IsabellaCourse: SaladsCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

7

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless chicken breast

• 1 onion, quartered

• 3 garlic cloves

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• For the Salad:

• 2 ripe avocados, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 cup corn kernels

• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

• 1 cup black beans, rinsed

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• For the Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

• Cook the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a large pot with onion quarters and garlic cloves. Cover with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked. Remove chicken and let it cool for 10 minutes.
• Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken cools, dice your vegetables and place them in a large mixing bowl. Drain and rinse the black beans, then add them to the bowl. Save the avocado for last to prevent browning.
• Shred the Chicken: Using two forks or your hands, shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, and cumin. Stir well until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Combine Everything: Add the shredded chicken to your bowl of vegetables. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss until everything is well coated. Add the diced avocado last and fold in carefully to avoid mashing.

Notes

• Serve on a bed of lettuce, as a sandwich filling, with tortilla chips, or wrapped in warm tortillas.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.
• For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Adjust spice levels with fresh jalapeños or ground chili powder for more heat.

What is Mexican Chicken Salad?

Ensalada de Pollo is a fresh and hearty dish of cooked veggies, chopped chicken, and a creamy sauce. This Mexican chicken salad differs from regular chicken salad because it has a unique taste that makes it stand out.

Real Mexican chicken salad starts with chicken boiled with garlic and onions until soft. The meat is then shredded by hand and mixed with cooked veggies after it has cooled. Carrot and potato dice are the most popular veggies, and green peas add color and sweetness.

Mayonnaise or Mexican crema mix the shredded chicken and veggies in Mexican cooking. In some homes, both make the salad extra smooth and rich. It tastes great with salt and pepper and a splash of lime juice for additional brightness.

It seems that each Mexican family has its own way of making this salad. Some people add chopped celery for crunch, while others add corn or diced jalapeños for heat. In places near the coast, you might find versions with fresh parsley on top. Each family’s recipe is different because of these small changes, but the main idea stays the same.

This chicken salad is often served at Mexican family events, such as birthday parties and holiday meals. It’s also a popular dish at picnics and potlucks because it’s simple to make ahead of time and everyone likes it.

Key Ingredients 

Mexican chicken salad has all the right ingredients to make a filling and tasty food. Let’s examine each part and see how they fit together.

The Chicken

A good Mexican chicken salad starts with properly cooked chicken. For a soft, light dish, use stewed chicken breast. For ease of use, use frozen chicken. 

For a smokey taste, cook the chicken. It works best to shred the chicken by hand while it’s still warm. This keeps the meat juicy and lets the flavors soak in better.

Fresh Vegetables

The veggies give the food color, crunch, and health benefits. Ripe asparagus for softness, bell peppers for color and crunch, and red onions for a sharp taste make up a basic Mexican chicken salad with avocado. 

Many cooks also add black beans and corn pieces for extra energy and taste. You can switch out the veggies if you want to or what’s in season. Some people use jicama for extra crunch or cucumber for a milder taste.

The Dressing

The Mexican chicken salad sauce makes the whole thing go together. Most people choose a sauce made with mayonnaise, but some like Mexican crema for a lighter taste or yogurt for a better choice. To make the dressing more flavorful, mix in:

• Fresh lime juice
• Ground cumin
• Chopped cilantro
• Minced garlic

Dietary Substitutions

Making this salad work for people with different food needs is easy. If you want to reduce fat, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo, leave out the cheese for dairy-free options, or add more veggies for low-carb choices. To make this food vegan, you can use plant-based mayo.

Seasonings

This salad is great because it has the right spices. Fresh jalapeños make it hotter, and cilantro makes it brighter. For extra heat, add a little ground chili powder. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors.

Step-by-Step Recipe

This Simple chicken salad recipe serves 6-8 people and takes about 45 minutes to prepare. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious dish your family will love.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

What You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

•  2 pounds boneless chicken breast
•  1 onion, quartered
•  3 garlic cloves
•  Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salad:

•  2 ripe avocados, diced
•  1 red bell pepper, diced
•  1 cup corn kernels
•  1/2 red onion, finely chopped
•  1 cup black beans, rinsed
•  1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Dressing:

•  1 cup mayonnaise
•  2 tablespoons lime juice
•  1 teaspoon ground cumin
•  Salt and pepper to taste

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Making Your Mexican chicken salad recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Place chicken breasts in a large pot with onion quarters and garlic cloves. Cover with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked. Remove chicken and let it cool for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the chicken cools, dice your vegetables and place them in a large mixing bowl. Drain and rinse the black beans, then add them to the bowl. Save the avocado for last to prevent browning.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Using two forks or your hands, shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces. The chicken should pull apart easily if it’s properly cooked.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, and cumin. Stir well until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the shredded chicken to your bowl of vegetables. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss until everything is well coated. Add the diced avocado last and fold in carefully to avoid mashing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Mexican chicken salad:

• On a bed of lettuce leaves
• As a filling for sandwiches
• With tortilla chips for scooping
• Wrapped in warm tortillas

Storage Tips

Keep this salad refrigerated in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, though the avocado may darken slightly. For best results, add avocado just before serving.

A Southern chicken salad recipe is the epitome of comfort food, blending tender shredded or diced chicken with a medley of creamy mayonnaise, crunchy celery, and the tangy sweetness of relish or grapes.

Recipe Variations

There are many ways to change the standard dish to fit different food needs and tastes. Here are some creative changes you can make to this dish.

Lighter and Healthier Options

With a few smart changes, making a healthy Mexican chicken salad is easy. Greek yogurt can be used instead of mayonnaise to cut calories while keeping the smooth taste. 

Add more veggies like cucumbers, radishes, and peppers to improve your health. Adding cottage cheese or egg whites instead of whole eggs can get extra protein without adding extra fat.

Keto-Friendly Version

The keto Mexican chicken salad is mostly made of high-fat, low-carb foods. Instead of corn and beans, add more avocado, cheese, and olive oil. For crunch, add fatty things, like bacon bits or chopped nuts. 

Roasted chicken can provide a lot of energy, and the sauce should have full-fat sour cream in it. There are less than 10 grams of carbs in each serve of this version, but it tastes like Mexican food.

Vegetarian Adaptation

It turns out surprisingly well when plant-based foods are used instead of chicken in a vegetarian Mexican chicken salad recipe. Break up extra-firm tofu or tempeh and use it as your base. 

Season it with the same spices you’d use on chicken. Be sure to add a lot of black beans and chickpeas for nutrition. You won’t miss the meat because of the thick sauce and classic veggies.

Hearty Meal Variations

Transform your salad into a filling main dish by adding:

• Cooked quinoa or brown rice for whole grains
• Small pasta shapes like orzo or shells
• Roasted sweet potatoes or regular potatoes
• Mixed grains like farro or barley

Spice Level Options

Adjust the heat to your liking:

• Mild: Remove all seeds from peppers and use mild green chiles
• Medium: Add fresh jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce
• Hot: Mix in diced chipotle peppers or habaneros for serious heat

The Chick fil A Spicy Southwest Salad is a zesty and flavorful choice for those craving a bold twist on classic salads. Featuring a fresh bed of mixed greens, it’s topped with slices of grilled spicy chicken, Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses, grape tomatoes, and a blend of roasted corn and black beans for a hearty, southwestern flair.

Serving Suggestions

Mexican chicken salad is a versatile dish that works well in many settings. From casual family dinners to festive gatherings, here are the best ways to serve and enjoy this flavorful dish.

Casual Meals

For everyday meals, serve the salad on a bed of fresh lettuce or wrapped in large tortillas. Mexican chicken salad tostadas make an excellent quick lunch – just spread the mixture on crispy corn tortillas and top with shredded lettuce and fresh salsa. For a low-carb option, serve it in lettuce cups or hollow out tomatoes to create edible bowls.

Party Presentations

When hosting parties, create a DIY station where guests can build their own dishes. Set out the chicken salad alongside bowls of extra toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sliced jalapeños. Provide both soft and crispy tortillas, chips, and fresh vegetables for scooping.

Picnics and Potlucks

These serving suggestions for Mexican chicken salad work great for outdoor events: Pack the salad in a sealed container and bring separate containers of toppings and tortillas. 

This keeps everything fresh and lets people assemble their portions on site. For easy eating, pre-make wraps or sandwiches using the salad as filling.

Perfect Pairings

Complete your meal with these complementary sides:

• Fresh lime wedges for extra zest
• Mexican rice or quinoa
• Corn or flour tortilla chips
• Cold Mexican beer or agua fresca
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Fresh pico de gallo

Indulge in the creamy goodness of Chicken Alfredo Penne Pasta! This classic, comforting dish is loaded with tender chicken and rich Alfredo sauce, making it a favorite for any occasion.

Nutritional Information

A standard serving (1 cup) of Mexican chicken salad calories offers these nutrients: 320 calories total, broken into 25g of protein, 18g of fat, and 15g of carbohydrates. You’ll also get 6g of fiber and 450mg of sodium in each portion.

Health Benefits from Key Ingredients

This salad combines ingredients that not only taste great together but also provide important nutrients your body needs. Each main ingredient brings its own health benefits to your plate.

• Chicken: Chicken gives you protein to build muscle and keep you full. The meat packs B vitamins plus zinc and iron that help your immune system work better. White meat chicken breast works best for a lean protein choice.
• Avocado: The fats in avocado help your body take in more nutrients from the other vegetables. Your heart benefits from the potassium, while the fiber aids digestion. Adding avocado makes the salad creamy and filling.
• Vegetables: Bell peppers bring vitamin C to fight off sickness. Black beans give you iron for energy and fiber to feel full. Corn adds a sweet crunch plus helpful plant nutrients. Onions pack flavor and boost your immune system naturally.
• Making It Healthier: Switch mayo for Greek yogurt to cut 100 calories per serving. Pile on extra vegetables for more nutrition without many calories. Use just enough dressing to coat ingredients. Pick lean chicken breast instead of dark meat.

Note: Your actual nutrition values may change based on serving size and ingredient choices. Adding tortillas or chips will increase the calories and carbs significantly.

Spicy chicken salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken with a medley of fresh, crisp vegetables. The chicken is often marinated or coated with a spicy rub, adding a kick of heat that elevates the entire dish.

Ready to Make Your Own Chicken Salad Chick-Style Grape Salad?

This guide has taught you everything you need to know to make a great Mexican chicken salad. To ensure your success in the kitchen, we started with the most important items and went through the steps one by one. You learned how to season the chicken and cook it with fresh veggies so the taste and texture are at their best.

We looked at several ways to change the recipe, such as adding Greek yogurt to make it healthy and creating suitable forms for people on the keto diet. Looking at the different ways to serve this dish, now we know how adaptable it is. It’s great for casual lunches and party spreads. We even reviewed the health benefits to show that this salad can be tasty and good for you.

This Mexican chicken salad dish can be made hot or mild, served on tostadas or in lettuce leaves. It tastes great either way. This food is great because it’s flexible; you can change the spices and ingredients to make it your own.

Try this meal to find your best way to enjoy it. Talk about what you’ve learned while cooking, and don’t be afraid to try new things, like different items or serving ways, to make it your own.

FAQs about Best Mexican Chicken Salad Recipe: Spicy & Delicious

Want to know how to make Mexican chicken salad? These are the most common questions people ask, which will help you make the right dish every time.