Chicken Taco Salad with Salsa Ranch Dressing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is packed with flavor, from the perfectly seasoned chicken to the zesty salsa ranch dressing. The combination of tender chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, sweet tomatoes, creamy avocado, and crunchy tortilla chips creates an exciting texture with every bite. The salsa ranch dressing adds a creamy, tangy kick that ties everything together beautifully. It’s a satisfying and filling dish, perfect for a light meal or as a main course.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (lightly pounded to even thickness)
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Salad:

• 2 hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped and rinsed
• 3 roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1 bunch green onion, chopped
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (4-ounce) can sliced olives
• 1 cup shredded cheddar-jack cheese
• 1 avocado, seeded and diced
• 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips or tortilla strips
• Limes, for serving

For the Salsa Ranch Dressing:

• 1/3 cup salsa
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup bottled ranch dressing
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Chicken:

1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with taco seasoning and salt on both sides.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

For the Salsa Ranch Dressing:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the salsa, sour cream, ranch dressing, lime juice, and chopped cilantro until smooth and well combined.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more lime juice or cilantro, if desired.

For the Salad:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, diced roma tomatoes, chopped green onions, drained corn, black beans, and sliced olives.
2. Add the shredded cheddar-jack cheese and diced avocado to the salad and toss gently.
3. Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the salad.
4. Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips or tortilla strips over the salad for added crunch.

To Serve:

1. Drizzle the salsa ranch dressing over the salad, or serve it on the side for everyone to add to their liking.
2. Serve the salad with lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add some spice: If you like a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños to the salad or mix some hot sauce into the salsa ranch dressing.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and replace it with seasoned tofu, grilled vegetables, or more beans for a hearty vegetarian version of this salad.
• Grilled chicken: For extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it.
• Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free ranch dressing and non-dairy sour cream to make this salad dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the salad and dressing separately. The salad ingredients can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the tortilla chips will lose their crunch over time. The salsa ranch dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: If you have leftover chicken, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. To keep the salad fresh, only add the dressing right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought grilled chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked or store-bought grilled chicken to save time. Just slice it up and add it to the salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but keep the dressing and tortilla chips separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness and crunch.

Is the salsa ranch dressing spicy?

The salsa ranch dressing is mildly tangy and flavorful, but not necessarily spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding more spicy salsa or some hot sauce to the dressing if you prefer more heat.

Can I use other types of lettuce for the salad?

Yes, you can substitute romaine with other greens such as iceberg lettuce, spinach, or mixed greens for a different flavor and texture.

How can I make this salad spicier?

To make the salad spicier, you can add fresh jalapeños, hot sauce, or a spicier salsa to the dressing or directly to the salad.

Can I use homemade ranch dressing instead of bottled?

Yes, you can use homemade ranch dressing if you prefer. The store-bought version just makes this recipe a bit quicker and easier.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots for more crunch and flavor.

How do I make the chicken more flavorful?

Marinate the chicken in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and a little extra taco seasoning for an even more flavorful result before cooking.

Can I use a different cheese for the salad?

Yes, you can substitute the cheddar-jack cheese with any cheese you prefer, such as pepper jack, Mexican blend, or even crumbled queso fresco for a different twist.

How long does the salsa ranch dressing keep?

The dressing will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Conclusion

This Chicken Taco Salad with Salsa Ranch Dressing is a delicious, vibrant meal full of bold flavors and satisfying textures. The perfectly seasoned chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy salsa ranch dressing come together to create a balanced and irresistible salad. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this salad is sure to be a hit!

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