Easy to make and perfect for food prep! Chicken, black beans, crisp Romaine, cheese, veggies and topped with an option of two dressings!
Ingredients
for taco salad:
3chicken breast halves or about 4 cups cooked chicken, seasoned generously with garlic salt and pepper, chopped or shredded
10cupswashed and chopped Romaine lettuce
15ozcan black beans drained and rinsed
2-3tomatoes, or one pint grape tomatoes, chopped
1mediumred onion chopped, about 1 cup
1bunch cilantro chopped and divided
1 1/2cupsCheddar or Jack cheese grated
1lime
tortilla chips
Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing:
1cupbuttermilk
1cupplain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
1/2bunch cilantro washed and chopped
1tablespoonprepared taco seasoning
1lime, juiced , add 2 tablespoons, then more if needed
1/2teaspoongarlic, minced
fresh ground pepper, salt to taste
Lime Vinaigrette Dressing:
1/2 cup chopped seeded tomatillo
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cider Vinegar
2 teaspoons lime rind grated
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 garlic clove chopped
4 tablespoons mayo or plain Greek yogurt, optional
Instructions
Squeeze the juice of one lime over the cooked and chopped chicken. Set aside.
Combine all dressing ingredients in blender or bowl, and whisk or blend until smooth. Set aside in refrigerator until ready to dress salad. This may be done up to three days ahead.
Combine remaining salad ingredients including chicken into large bowl. Add desired amount of cheese and tortilla chips. Serve with prepared dressing.
Notes
Unless the salad is being served and eaten all at one sitting, I toss the chips, cheese and dressing with each individual serving.
Variations include using a half bag of frozen corn; thawed, chopped bell peppers or sliced olives.
Substitutions for buttermilk and mayonnaise: for buttermilk- add 1/2 cup plain unsweetened Greek yogurt and 1/2 cup milk and stir. For mayo use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt, sour cream (regular or light) or 4 oz softened cream cheese.
If preparing the chicken ahead, cook and place in fridge after chopping. On the day of serving, toss with fresh lime juice.