🥗 Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad
Mediterranean-Inspired, Fresh & Protein-Rich
🌿 Description
This Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad brings bold flavors together in a lighter, Mediterranean-friendly way. Juicy grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, beans, and avocado are chopped small for perfect bites, then tossed with a creamy yogurt-lime dressing made with olive oil and herbs. It’s colorful, satisfying, and ideal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
Chicken
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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Juice of ½ lime
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp ground cumin
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp dried oregano
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
Salad Base
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4 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
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1 cup cucumber, diced
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1 cup sweet corn (grilled or steamed)
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1 cup cooked black beans, rinsed
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1 avocado, diced
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2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
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¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Creamy Yogurt-Lime Dressing
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½ cup Greek yogurt
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Juice of 1 lime
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½ tsp cumin
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½ tsp honey (optional)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
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Cook the Chicken
Toss chicken with olive oil, lime juice, spices, salt, and pepper.
Grill or pan-sear over medium heat 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.
Rest 5 minutes, then chop into small cubes. -
Prepare the Dressing
Whisk Greek yogurt, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. -
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, corn, beans, avocado, onion, and herbs. -
Finish
Add chopped chicken and drizzle with dressing. Toss gently to coat.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Serve as-is or with warm pita or whole-grain tortilla wedges
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Add crumbled feta for a Mediterranean touch
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Top with toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch
❓ Q & A
Q: Is this salad Mediterranean diet-friendly?
A: Yes. It uses olive oil, lean protein, yogurt, beans, vegetables, and herbs—Mediterranean principles with Tex-Mex flavor.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes. Store salad and dressing separately for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Use a tahini-lime dressing or dairy-free yogurt.
Q: Can I use leftover chicken?
A: Yes—grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken works well.
Q: How can I make it spicier?
A: Add jalapeño, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
🌱 Health Benefits
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💪 High in protein & fiber
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🫒 Heart-healthy fats
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🥬 Rich in vitamins & antioxidants
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⚖️ Filling without being heavy
