Chicken Fiesta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together the bold flavors of Mexican-inspired cuisine. Juicy grilled or shredded chicken is combined with crisp lettuce, sweet corn, black beans, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, all tossed with a zesty lime dressing. The mix of textures—crunchy vegetables, creamy avocado, and tender chicken—creates a satisfying and colourful meal that is both nourishing and full of flavour.
Chicken Fiesta Salad :
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this salad offers a wholesome balance of protein, fiber, and fresh ingredients. It can be enjoyed as a light main course or served as a side at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. The addition of toppings like tortilla strips, shredded cheese, and salsa takes it to the next level, making it a true fiesta on a plate.
History:
Fiesta-style salads gained popularity in American and Mexican fusion cuisine, inspired by the use of fresh, colourful ingredients and bold flavours. While not a traditional Mexican dish, the Chicken Fiesta Salad was created to capture the essence of Mexican flavours in a healthy and versatile form. Over time, it became a favourite in households and restaurants for its simplicity and ability to bring festive flair to everyday meals.
Chicken Fiesta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts (grilled or cooked and shredded)
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- salt, and pepper
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp cumin
Instructions
- Season and grill chicken until cooked through, then slice or shred.
- In a large bowl, combine lettuce, beans, corn, bell pepper, tomatoes, and avocado.
- Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss salad with dressing until evenly coated.
- Top with grilled chicken, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, and cilantro.
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Fresh lime juice enhances the flavour of the dressing.
- Add jalapeños for extra heat.
- Swap cheddar with cotija cheese for authenticity.
- Leftovers keep well without dressing added.