Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breasts – shredded or cubed
- 2 cups romaine lettuce heads – chopped into strips (about 10 cups worth)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes – sliced in half
- 1 cup corn – canned or thawed frozen
- ¼ cup sliced red onion
- 4 green onions – chopped small (about 1 cup)
- 1 ½ cups canned black beans – rinsed and drained
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro – optional
- ½ freshly squeezed lime
- 1 cup tortilla strips – or crushed tortilla chips
Salad Dressing
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Make The Taco Dressing: In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of ranch dressing and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will serve as the flavorful dressing for the salad.
- Prep Salad Ingredients: Wash and prepare all salad components. Chop 2 cups of romaine lettuce into strips, slice 2 cups of cherry tomatoes in half, drain and rinse 1 ½ cups of canned black beans, slice ¼ cup red onion, chop 4 green onions finely, measure 1 cup corn (canned or thawed frozen), shred or cube 2 cups cooked chicken breast, and chop ¼ cup cilantro if using.
- Assemble The Salad: Place all the prepped salad ingredients into a large bowl. Pour the taco ranch dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add Final Touches: Sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, then add 1 cup tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips for crunch. Finally, squeeze the juice of half a fresh lime over the salad for a bright, tangy finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and fresh flavors.
Notes
- You can make your own taco seasoning using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper for a homemade touch.
- Use your favorite brand of ranch dressing or make a homemade version for better control over ingredients.
- For a spicier salad, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Use freshly cooked chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.
- This salad is best served immediately to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and tortilla strips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
