Mexican Chopped Salad

The Mexican Chopped Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish packed with fresh vegetables, juicy grilled chicken, black beans, and a smoky poblano dressing. This salad is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner and can be prepared in advance for meal prepping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in about 35 minutes.
• Fresh & Flavorful – A combination of crisp veggies, grilled chicken, and a tangy dressing.
• Healthy – Loaded with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
• Versatile – Can be customized with different proteins and toppings.

What Is A Chopped Salad?

A chopped salad consists of finely chopped vegetables and other ingredients, making it easy to eat in each bite. It often includes a mix of greens, proteins, nuts, seeds, and dressing for a well-balanced meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp dried cilantro
• 1/2 tsp ancho chili powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

For the Salad:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 ear of corn (or 1/2 cup canned corn)
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup kale, chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
• 1 avocado, diced

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 roasted poblano pepper, peeled and deseeded
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp honey (or agave syrup)
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dressing

1. Blend cilantro and roasted poblano in a food processor until finely chopped.
2. Add olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Blend until smooth and emulsified.
4. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, dried cilantro, ancho chili powder, black pepper, and salt in a bowl.
3. Pat chicken dry and rub the spice mix evenly over both sides.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken.
5. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F).
6. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

3. Grill the Vegetables

1. Drizzle olive oil over red onion, red bell pepper, and corn.
2. Place on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side.
3. Remove from grill and let cool.
4. Chop the grilled onions and bell pepper.
5. Cut corn off the cob.

4. Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, kale, green onions, cherry tomatoes, black beans, pepitas, avocado, and grilled vegetables.
2. Add the sliced chicken.
3. Toss everything together.
4. Serve with poblano dressing on the side or drizzled on top.

Tips & Variations

Customize Your Salad:

• Swap the Protein – Use grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu instead of chicken.
• Change the Greens – Substitute kale with spinach or mixed greens.
• Add Crunch – Toss in tortilla strips, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
• Make it Dairy-Free – Skip the cheese (if using) and use dairy-free dressing alternatives.

Make Ahead Tips:

• Chop veggies up to 3 days in advance.
• Prepare dressing up to 4 days in advance.
• Grill chicken and store separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

This Mexican Chopped Salad makes a great main dish or side! Pair it with:

• Tacos – Try Steak Street Tacos, Chicken Street Tacos, or Pork Carnitas.
• Quesadillas – Serve with cheese quesadillas or veggie quesadillas.
• Rice Dishes – Enjoy alongside Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Store dressing separately for the best freshness.
• Avoid freezing, as the fresh veggies will lose texture.

Conclusion

This Mexican Chopped Salad is a simple, flavorful, and healthy dish perfect for meal prep or quick dinners. With fresh ingredients, a smoky poblano dressing, and customizable options, it’s a must-try recipe! Enjoy it as a light meal or pair it with your favorite Mexican dishes.