This Chicken Chopped Salad is packed with fresh veggies, tender chicken, and a zesty dressing. It’s colorful, crunchy, and oh-so-good for you!
Perfect for lunch or dinner, this salad is quick to make. I love how I can toss it together and feel like a healthy superhero—cape not included! 🦸♂️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is essential for this salad. Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and lends great flavor. You can also use turkey or chickpeas for a change.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine provides crunch and freshness. You could swap it with spinach or mixed salad greens for a different texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness. If they’re not in season, use grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes. You can also skip them if you prefer.
Avocado: Creamy and rich, avocado is a great choice. If you’re not an avocado fan, try diced cucumber for a crisp bite, though it won’t have the same creaminess.
Pumpkin Seeds: These add a nice crunch. Sunflower seeds or chopped nuts like almonds can work well too. I love to lightly toast them for extra flavor!
Cheese: I usually add mozzarella or cheddar for extra creaminess. Feta or goat cheese are delicious alternatives that give a different flavor.
How Do I Make the Perfect Dressing for My Salad?
Making the dressing is simple, but it’s crucial for tying the flavors together. Start with fresh lime juice for brightness, then whisk in olive oil. This combination is the base.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of lime juice with 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl.
- Add in garlic powder, a sprinkle of chili powder for warmth, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Whisk until it’s well-combined and smooth. I like to taste it to see if it needs more salt or lime for your desired flavor.
This dressing can be made ahead of time. Just shake or whisk before drizzling over your salad!
How to Make Chicken Chopped Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup sweet corn (canned or cooked)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, like cheddar or mozzarella)
For the Dressing:
- Juice of 2 limes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Chopped Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll have a fresh and colorful dish ready to serve right away, or you can let it chill in the fridge for up to an hour for even better flavor blending!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the juice of 2 limes, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of chili powder (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until well mixed. Set your dressing aside for now—it’ll be ready when you finish the salad!
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
Grab a large salad bowl and add the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, sliced avocado, sweet corn, red onion, and chopped cilantro or parsley. It’s like a colorful party in a bowl!
3. Add the Chicken:
Next, toss in the chopped cooked chicken breast. This will add protein and make the salad more filling. Give everything a gentle stir to mix the chicken with the veggies.
4. Toss with Dressing:
Now, drizzle your prepared dressing over the salad. Use tongs or a spoon to gently toss the salad, making sure all the ingredients are well coated with that tasty dressing!
5. Final Touches:
If you like, sprinkle the salad with pumpkin seeds and shredded cheese for an extra crunch and flavor. They add a nice touch to the presentation, too!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad right away for the freshest taste, garnished with lime wedges if you like. If you want the flavors to meld even more, you can refrigerate the salad for up to an hour before serving. Enjoy your delicious and healthy Chicken Chopped Salad!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds extra flavor to your salad. Just make sure to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces to blend well with the other ingredients.
How Do I Make This Salad Vegan?
You can easily adapt this salad to be vegan by omitting the chicken and cheese, or you can substitute them with chickpeas or black beans for protein. Use avocado for creaminess, and ensure your dressing is vegan by replacing honey or cheese with maple syrup or nutritional yeast if needed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, if you’ve already dressed the salad, it’s best to eat it within a day to keep the ingredients fresh. You can also store the dressing separately to keep the lettuce crisp!
Can I Prep This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep most of the ingredients ahead! Chop the veggies and chicken, then store them in the fridge in separate containers. Combine everything and add the dressing just before serving to keep the lettuce crunchy and fresh.
