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Chicken Taco Salad

Course Appetizer, dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Mexican, Texmex

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 lb ground chicken (you could use turkey)
  • 2 tsp chipotle chile powder
  • 1 tbsp smoked sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • salt and pepper
  • 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 6 cups mixed leafy greens or a mix of power greens
  • 2-4 Roma tomatoes, quartered or diced
  • 2-4 Radishes, sliced
  • 1 Bunch Green onions, small sliced.
  • 1 cup cooked black beans
  • 1 sliced avocado
  • 1 cup cubed cheddar cheese
  • 1-2 cups tortilla strips homemade or store bought crushed (i made the strips)

For the Avocado Ranch Dressing

  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 jalapeno, halved and seeded
  • juice from one lime
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • To make the tortilla strips, slice a couple of corn tortillas into very thin strips. Heat about an inch of oil in a skillet until hot. Add the tortilla strips, stirring to separate and cook until browned. Remove from the skillet and drain on a paper towel and set aside.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the chipotle chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Add 1/2 cup of water and cook, stirring occasionally, until the water has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the cilantro.
  • Make the dressing by combining all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy, adding additional buttermilk, 1 tablespoon at a time, as needed to thin the sauce.
  • In a large salad bowl, combine the greens, black beans, avocado, mango, and cheese. Top the salad with the chicken taco meat and then drizzle with the dressing . Toss to combine and then top with tortilla strips. Enjoy!
Keyword healthyish, salad, taco chicken salad, taco salad