This Chicken Chopped Salad is a fresh and colorful mix that brings together juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and tasty dressing. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
Whenever I make this salad, I feel like a kitchen superstar. It’s quick to prepare, and you can toss in any leftover veggies. Who doesn’t love a little creativity in their meals? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Diced chicken breast is the star here. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience, or even shredded turkey! For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or tofu.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine adds crunch. You can swap it out with other greens like spinach, kale, or mixed greens if you prefer something different.
Cherry Tomatoes: These provide sweetness and color. If they’re not available, try using diced regular tomatoes or halved grape tomatoes instead.
Red Bell Pepper: This adds sweetness and crunch. If you want a different flavor, try yellow or orange bell peppers, or even cucumbers for extra crunch.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is great for flavor, but you can skip it if you’re not a fan. Parsley also works well as a substitute.
How Do I Make My Salad Dressing Taste Amazing?
The dressing can make or break your salad. For this recipe, whisk the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper together for freshness. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor!
- Add a little honey or agave syrup if you like a hint of sweetness.
- If you prefer a creamier dressing, mix in some yogurt or sour cream.
How to Make Chicken Chopped Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, such as cheddar or mozzarella)
For the Dressing:
- Juice of 2 limes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Your choice of dressing (ranch, vinaigrette, etc.)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a little time chopping and mixing the ingredients, making it quick and easy to whip up for lunch or dinner. Ready, set, go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
Start by taking a large salad bowl and add in the chopped romaine lettuce. Then, toss in the diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, corn, avocado slices, green onions, and chopped cilantro. This colorful combination will make your salad look fantastic!
2. Add Pumpkin Seeds and Cheese:
Sprinkle the pumpkin seeds and the shredded cheese (if you’re using it) over the top of the salad. This will add some nice crunch and flavor to your dish.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of the limes, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give your salad a zesty kick!
4. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over your salad and toss everything gently to ensure all the ingredients are nicely coated and mixed together. You don’t want to mash the avocado, so be gentle!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Chicken Chopped Salad immediately for the freshest taste. You can garnish with extra lime wedges if you like. Dig in and enjoy this healthy and vibrant meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken in This Salad?
Absolutely! You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or even shredded chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Just make sure it’s cooked and diced, so it mixes well with the other ingredients.
How to Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the ingredients in advance! Chop the vegetables and cook the chicken a day ahead. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the salad from getting soggy. Assemble everything right before serving for the freshest taste.
What Can I Substitute for the Corn?
If you’re out of corn, you can substitute it with black beans for added protein, or diced cucumbers for a refreshing crunch. Just make sure to rinse and drain canned beans well before adding them to the salad.
How to Store Leftover Salad?
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best if you keep components like avocado and dressing separate to maintain freshness. To revive, you can toss in a bit more dressing before serving.
