When you’re craving Tex Mex, but need something a little lighter, look no further than this smoky Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad recipe.
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There’s only one thing worse than Mondays, and that’s the day after vacation. You wake to an overflowing inbox, suitcases silently judging you for not unpacking them, and a laundry pile the size and shape of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The Mr. and I spent the last week in Texas with his family. We enjoyed days filled with niece and nephew snuggles, rodeos, a late Christmas celebration, and plenty of shared family meals. We ended our trip with a short jaunt to Austin where we spent 48 hours eating our way through the city. It was a wonderful, relaxing, refreshing vacation, but today I find both my body and my stomach are in need of a rest.
The South isn’t exactly known for its healthy food. I’ll be sharing more of our eats over the next few weeks, but suffice it to say much of it included deep frying, bacon, syrup, and/or gravy. I loved every artery-clogging moment of it, but my stomach is ready for a big bowl of greens.
Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad
This Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad was actually one of the first posts on this blog. I found it in the excellent Cooking Light: Dinner Tonight Cookbook and it quickly became a favorite. I’ve made it often in our married life, and it’s always as satisfying, and refreshing as the time before.
After making it again recently, I decided to rescue this forgotten recipe from the depths of my blog (and poor photography skills), and reintroduce it to all of you.
The salad requires only about 15-20 minutes of prep time if you’ve got some grilled chicken fajitas or Mexican grilled chicken on hand.
It’s loaded with greens, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and beans, and covered in a smoky chipotle lime sour cream sauce. It’s hearty and filling, but won’t leave you needing an after-dinner nap.
While I may not be ready to give up Tex-Mex food, today I’ll face my inbox and laundry pile with a lighter version of a southern favorite. I hope you love this dish just as much as we do!
Hint: If you don’t have any leftover cooked chicken to use for this recipe, first I recommend making some Homemade Chicken Seasoning, then make my Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, or this easy Italian Dressing Chicken.
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Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad {Gluten Free}
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 minced Chipotle chili pepper in adobo + 1 -2 Tablespoons of the sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Salad:
- 4 cups chopped lettuce (I used romaine and leaf)
- 2 cups chopped chicken breast
- 1 cup grape tomatoes (halved lengthwise)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
- Shredded Mexican cheese (optional)
- Gluten free corn tortilla chips
Instructions
- Mix together all ingredients for the sauce, and pour on the bottom of a large bowl.
- Layer salad ingredients over top of sauce. Stir gently to coat salad mixture with sauce. Serve immediately with shredded cheese and gluten free corn tortilla chips.
Notes
- Feel free to use rice and make it a bowl instead of serving over chips.
Nutrition
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Need more Mexcellent chicken goodness? For the daring among you, give my Chipotle Spicy Chicken Marinade a try.
P.S. Just for fun, here’s a picture from the original post. It’s amazing what a little natural light and food styling can do!
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