Easy Chicken Taco Salad

This easy-to-make Chicken Taco Salad features a flavorful salsa ranch dressing. Best of all, you can have it ready in less than 30 minutes!

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Chicken Taco Salad on a plate.

Why we love this recipe

This dish is so simple and quick to make with minimal prep time. It is also easy to customize by adding different toppings and adjusting the spice level of the ingredients.

Naturally gluten-free and loaded with fresh vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats, this salad recipe is a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

easy chicken taco salad on a dinner plate.

Ingredients

  • chicken breasts – you can also substitute chicken thighs if you prefer.
  • olive oil
  • sea salt
  • chili powder – you can also substitute taco seasoning.
  • freshly ground pepper
  • ranch dressing – I use homemade ranch dressing which is made with Greek yogurt. You can totally use a store-bought ranch but read the nutrition label and avoid anything weird.
  • salsa – choose your favorite spice level of salsa – we recommend Herdez brand.
  • romaine lettuce – or any green leaf lettuce.

Topping ideas

  • tortilla chips
  • grated cheddar cheese
  • sour cream
  • fresh corn kernels
  • chopped avocados
  • torn cilantro
  • fresh chopped tomatoes
  • black beans
  • diced red onion

Equipment

Instructions

Step 1

First, wash the romaine lettuce and pop it in the fridge to keep it cool and crisp. Check out this post that details how to properly wash your greens.

Step 2

Second, slice up two chicken breasts into strips while your skillet warms up some olive oil. Use a sharp knife and a large cutting board to slice the chicken.

Step 3

Next, toss the chicken strips into the hot pan.

Stir the chicken pieces well with the oil to coat them, then sprinkle in the chili powder and stir again.

chicken being cooked in a large skillet.

Step 4

While the chicken is cooking stir together the salsa and ranch dressing in a small bowl to make the dressing.

This becomes the taco salad dressing for your salad. I can’t even tell you how good this tastes!

dressing being stirred in a bowl.

Step 5

Once the chicken is cooked, drizzle the sauce over the chicken strips and stir well to coat everything.

Then, let this simmer for a bit so all of the flavors absorb.

chicken cooking with ranch salsa dressing.

Step 6

Now it is time to build the salad.

First, start with a layer of the crisp romaine lettuce.

lettuce on a plate.

Second, crumble the tortilla chips over the lettuce.

I like to add the chips before the chicken so they get drenched in the sauce.

tortilla chips crumbled over a plate of lettuce.

Finally, top it with the warm chicken and spicy ranch dressing from the pan.

Don’t forget to spoon lots of sauce over the tender chicken!

warm chicken layered on top of salad.

Finish with your favorite toppings.

Check out the list above in the ingredients list or below in the recipe card for topping ideas.

cheese sprinkled on top of a chicken taco salad.

Expert tips

Use fresh ingredients to ensure that your chicken taco salad tastes delicious. Opt for high-quality chicken that is free-range and hormone-free.

You can also make your own ranch dressing for a fresher and healthier option.

Recipe variations

  • Use shredded rotisserie chicken, black beans, corn, and a BBQ ranch dressing instead of the salsa for a sweeter southwestern-style salad.
  • Swap in ingredients such as feta cheese, olives, cucumbers, and a tzatziki dressing to give your chicken taco salad a Mediterranean twist.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve with lime wedges. A squeeze of lime juice can enhance the flavor of your chicken taco salad and give it a zesty kick.
  • Top your salad with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley to add a burst of freshness and flavor.
a dinner plate with chicken taco salad on it.

FAQS

How much protein is in this chicken taco salad?

This recipe has 30 grams of protein as is. Take any toppings into account for added protein. Sour cream, Greek yogurt, and black beans are all decent sources of protein.

Are taco salads good for you?

It all depends on the ingredients you choose. Homemade taco salads are definitely a great choice as you control the quality.

Can I make a vegetarian version?

Yes, you can swap the chicken for a plant-based protein such as tofu or tempeh. You can also add additional vegetables such as roasted sweet potatoes or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

Storing and reheating

This dish can be prepared ahead of time by cooking the chicken and transferring it to a glass container with a lid. Let it come to room temperature, close the airtight lid and refrigerate until you are ready to eat.

Through trial and error, I’ve learned not to layer the salad beforehand as the warm dressing will wilt the ingredients. Assemble the salad right before eating for the best taste and texture.

a plate of chicken taco salad.

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*This recipe was originally posted on July 9, 2014, updated on April 8, 2020, and updated again on May 11, 2023, with recipe notes, writing, and new photos.**

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a plate of chicken taco salad.

Easy Chicken Taco Salad

Sharon Rhodes
This easy-to-make Chicken Taco Salad features a flavorful salsa ranch dressing. Best of all, you can have it ready in less than 30 minutes!
5 from 59 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 513 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it is warmed, add in the chicken strips. Coat the chicken in the oil by stirring it well. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and chili powder. Leave over medium heat, stirring until fully cooked through, about 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, stir ranch dressing and salsa together. Reserve 2-3 tablespoons for the greens.
  • Once the chicken is cooked pour the dressing/salsa combo over it, stir well and reduce to a low simmer for 5 more minutes. Give it a stir a few times.
  • Meanwhile, shred your cheese and toss the greens with the reserved dressing.
  • Build your plate starting with the greens, chips, chicken mixture, and lastly the cheese.
  • Add any other toppings you enjoy! See notes below for topping ideas.

Video

Notes

Topping ideas

  • tortilla chips
  • grated cheddar cheese
  • sour cream
  • fresh corn kernels
  • chopped avocados
  • torn cilantro
  • fresh chopped tomatoes
  • black beans
  • diced red onion

Storing and reheating

This dish can be prepared ahead of time by cooking the chicken and transferring it to a glass container with a lid. After cooking, let it come to room temperature, close the airtight lid and refrigerate until you are ready to eat. Reheat the chicken mixture in a microwave or a skillet until warmed through then layer the salad.
Through trial and error, I’ve learned not to layer the salad beforehand as the warm dressing will wilt the ingredients. Assemble the salad right before eating for the best taste and texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 513kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 30gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 1193mgPotassium: 604mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 735IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 177mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword chicken taco salad, ranch chicken taco salad
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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16 Comments

  1. Hi,
    I was looking for an easy Chicken Taco Salad when i came across your site. My niece doesn’t eat beef, so I want to invite her over for lunch one day in March 2024. That’s just a few days away. Yeah ! Come on Spring. Thanks for this delicious looking Salad.
    I’m sure we will enjoy the whole afternoon, esp. this Salad.

  2. I love this salad but I don’t understand the 16g of total fat that’s mentioned in the myfitnesspal blog when they shared this recipe.
    I weighed the ranch dressing (1/2 cup) (I used Paul Newman’s Ranch Dressing) and it’s almost 100 grams which equals 18 grams of fat per serving already! Bit of a shock as it makes the salad quite high in fat as you have to add cheese and the tortilla chips.
    Any idea about this or did I make a mistake somewhere down the line?

    1. Hey Nicole! I’m sorry I have no idea. 🙁 It’s kind of one of the reasons I don’t really do the macros on my recipes. Too much room for error! What I DO know is this salad is delicious. 😉 I wonder if the homemade dressing that I use in this recipe, since it uses yogurt, has a lower fat content than the Newmans? Could be possible. Sorry I couldn’t be more help!

        1. I swear by Herdez brand in medium. I should be making my own by now, but just can’t give up the ease of picking up this jar. 🙂

  3. 5 stars
    Thank you for this recipe. I asked my better half to make this and it was delicious. I can’t wait to have it again.

    1. I’m so glad you enjoyed. And how nice to have someone who cares enough about you to cook for you. 🙂 Happy Valentines to you both.

  4. We love tacos and thus salad looks delicious! I’m loving that herbamere, it really taste great on everything 😀

    1. I’m so glad you’re liking the herbamere! Pretty useful little seasoning. 🙂 This salad is a true crowd pleaser. Thanks, Cindy!

  5. 5 stars
    Love this recipe, Sharon! So easy and simple but also so tasty. Perfect recipe for summer lunch 😉

  6. 5 stars
    Amazing! It’s like you’re my recipe queen who creates everything and anything I dream of. This one right here is going to become an addiction, and I’m going to have a little chat with “cheese” because it’s suppose to be my best friend! 😉

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