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Cowboy Chicken Salad

Cowboy Chicken Salad
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Cowboy Chicken Salad is a refreshing and hearty summer salad that combines tender grilled chicken, fresh crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing for a perfect balance of taste and nourishment. Ideal for backyard barbecues, picnic lunches, or cooling down after outdoor activities, this colorful, flavor-packed salad is quick to prepare and highly customizable to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb grilled or roasted chicken breast, sliced

Vegetables & Greens

  • 4 cups fresh romaine lettuce or mixed greens, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned, drained)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 avocado, sliced

Dairy

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Crunchy Toppings

  • 1/2 cup crispy tortilla strips

Dressing

  • 1/3 cup ranch dressing or chipotle dressing

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro sprigs
  • Sliced green onions
  • Lime wedges or a squeeze of lime juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Grill or pan-sear chicken breasts until fully cooked and nicely charred to develop a smoky flavor. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juiciness.
  2. Chop Fresh Veggies: While the chicken cools, wash and chop the lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the avocado, and drain the corn kernels and black beans for easy mixing.
  3. Assemble the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, and shredded cheddar cheese. Toss gently to evenly distribute the ingredients.
  4. Add Chicken and Crunch: Layer the sliced chicken over the salad base, then sprinkle crispy tortilla strips on top to add a satisfying crunch and southwest flair.
  5. Drizzle with Dressing: Pour your preferred dressing—either classic ranch or smoky chipotle—over the salad. Toss lightly just before serving to ensure every bite is flavorful and well-coated.

Notes

  • Use leftover cooked chicken for quick preparation and to minimize waste.
  • Add tortilla strips just before serving to keep them crisp and prevent sogginess.
  • Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure balanced flavors in every bite.
  • Keep salad ingredients chilled until serving to maintain freshness and a cooling effect.
  • Consider making your own dressing to enhance flavor and avoid preservatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cowboy Chicken Salad, summer salad, grilled chicken salad, southwestern salad, picnic salad, healthy salad, quick salad

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/cowboy-chicken-salad/