Chicken Quesadilla Fiesta Salad
Experience a burst of flavor and a crunch of textures with this Chicken Quesadilla Fiesta Salad! Inspired by the renowned 'explosion salad' from Chili's, this healthier version combines fresh greens, zesty toppings, and a cheesy quesadilla that will tantalize your taste buds. The warmth of the seasoned chicken and melty cheddar juxtaposed with crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, and sweet corn creates a satisfying meal that's perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Plus, the optional dressing of creamy salsa adds a delightful twist, keeping the points low without skimping on flavor. Get ready for a fiesta of flavors with every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
low-carb whole wheat tortilla
1 small (none)
shredded fat-free cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (shredded)
romaine lettuce
3 cups (chopped)
lean cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 ounces (cut into strips)
diced tomato
1/4 cup (diced)
canned sweet corn
2 tablespoons (drained)
canned black beans
1 tablespoon (rinsed)
fajita seasoning mix, dry
1 teaspoon (none)
fat-free balsamic vinaigrette
3 tablespoons (none)
lemon juice
1 teaspoon (none)
lime juice
1 teaspoon (none)
artificial sweetener (like Splenda)
1/2 packet (none)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the fajita seasoning mix with 2 teaspoons of water. Add the lean, cooked chicken strips to the bowl and toss well to coat evenly. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the quesadilla.
2
Place a small pan over medium heat and lightly spritz it with nonstick cooking spray. Lay the low-carb whole wheat tortilla in the pan and evenly sprinkle the shredded fat-free cheddar cheese over one half. As the cheese melts, use a spatula to fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to seal.
3
Flip the quesadilla and continue to cook, pressing down until both sides are golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly before cutting into triangular wedges.
4
Assemble your salad by layering the romaine lettuce in a large bowl. Top with diced tomatoes, sweet corn, black beans, and the seasoned chicken (ensure it's heated through if desired).
5
Arrange the quesadilla triangles around the salad for an eye-catching presentation.
6
To prepare the dressing, combine the fat-free balsamic vinaigrette, lemon juice, lime juice, and artificial sweetener in a small bowl. Add one teaspoon of water for desired consistency, whisking until well mixed, and serve on the side.
7
If you like, garnish your salad with fresh cilantro for an extra pop of flavor.
8
Serve immediately and enjoy your Chicken Quesadilla Fiesta Salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chicken Quesadilla Fiesta Salad?
It is a flavor-packed, healthy salad inspired by Chili's 'explosion salad,' featuring seasoned chicken, fresh greens, and a crispy cheesy quesadilla.
What type of tortilla should I use for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using one small low-carb whole wheat tortilla to keep the meal healthy and fiber-rich.
How is the chicken prepared for the salad?
3 ounces of lean cooked chicken strips are tossed in a mixture of fajita seasoning and water to marinate before being added to the salad.
What ingredients are in the salad dressing?
The dressing consists of fat-free balsamic vinaigrette, lemon juice, lime juice, artificial sweetener, and a teaspoon of water for consistency.
Is the Chicken Quesadilla Fiesta Salad low in carbs?
Yes, it is tagged as a low-carb meal and utilizes a low-carb tortilla and fat-free ingredients to maintain a healthy profile.
What kind of cheese is used in the quesadilla?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of shredded fat-free cheddar cheese.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
This recipe is designed to be a quick meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
What type of lettuce is best for this fiesta salad?
3 cups of chopped romaine lettuce are used to provide a crisp and fresh base for the salad.
How do I cook the quesadilla?
Place the tortilla in a pan sprayed with nonstick spray, add cheese to half, fold it, and cook over medium heat until both sides are golden brown.
Which vegetables are added to the salad mix?
The salad is topped with 1/4 cup diced tomato, 2 tablespoons of sweet corn, and 1 tablespoon of black beans.
How do I season the chicken strips?
Use one teaspoon of dry fajita seasoning mix combined with two teaspoons of water to coat the chicken evenly.
Is this salad suitable for a light dinner?
Yes, it is a satisfying and light meal perfect for either a quick lunch or a healthy dinner.
Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the whole wheat tortilla for a gluten-free alternative, you can easily adapt this recipe.
How should the quesadilla be served with the salad?
The quesadilla should be cut into triangular wedges and arranged around the salad for an eye-catching presentation.
What is the purpose of the artificial sweetener in the dressing?
The artificial sweetener, such as Splenda, helps balance the acidity of the citrus juices and balsamic vinaigrette.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe is portioned as a single-serving meal, though ingredients can be scaled for more people.
Should the black beans and corn be prepared in any specific way?
The sweet corn should be drained and the black beans should be rinsed before being added to the salad.
Can I add cilantro to this dish?
Yes, garnishing the salad with fresh cilantro is recommended for an extra pop of flavor.
What are the primary citrus juices used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of lime juice.
What is the order of assembly for the salad?
Layer the romaine first, top with tomatoes, corn, beans, and seasoned chicken, then place the quesadilla wedges around the bowl.
How much fat-free balsamic vinaigrette is needed?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of fat-free balsamic vinaigrette for the dressing base.
Is the chicken served hot or cold?
The chicken can be served at room temperature or heated through depending on your personal preference.
What makes this salad a healthier version of restaurant salads?
It uses fat-free cheese, fat-free dressing, lean chicken, and a low-carb tortilla to keep points and calories low.
Do I need to grease the pan for the quesadilla?
A light spritz of nonstick cooking spray is sufficient to prevent the tortilla from sticking and to help it crisp up.
What kind of chicken breast is recommended?
The recipe suggests using lean, cooked, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts.
How much sweetener is added to the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/2 a packet of artificial sweetener, like Splenda.
Is this recipe considered a fiesta-themed dish?
Yes, it uses ingredients like fajita seasoning, lime, corn, and black beans to create a Mexican-inspired fiesta flavor profile.
How many cups of chopped romaine are required?
You will need 3 cups of chopped romaine lettuce for the salad base.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl and store it until you are ready to serve.
What provides the crunch in this salad?
The crunch comes from the fresh romaine lettuce and the crispy, pan-toasted whole wheat tortilla wedges.