Zesty Ranch Taco Chicken Salad
This Zesty Ranch Taco Chicken Salad is a delicious and colorful meal packed with flavor and nutrition. Tender strips of seasoned chicken breast are sautéed and combined with a refreshing mix of salad greens and rich cheddar cheese. The addition of zesty salsa and creamy ranch dressing brings everything together for a perfect balance of taste. Finish it off with a crunchy layer of crushed tortilla chips for added texture. Ideal for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends.
6
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (cut into strips)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Ground cumin
to taste
Chili powder
to taste
Salsa
1 cup, divided
Mixed salad greens
1 (16 ounce) package
Shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup
Ranch dressing
1 cup
Crushed tortilla chips
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
1. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, ground cumin, and chili powder, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
2
2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat over medium-high heat, adding the seasoned chicken and 1/2 cup of salsa. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mixed salad greens, and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently toss them together to distribute the ingredients evenly.
4
4. Drizzle the remaining 1/2 cup of salsa and 1 cup of ranch dressing over the salad. Toss everything together just before serving to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
5
5. Finally, sprinkle the salad with crushed tortilla chips for a delightful crunch and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
20g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Ranch Taco Chicken Salad?
It is a colorful and nutritious meal made with seasoned chicken breast, mixed greens, cheddar cheese, salsa, and ranch dressing, topped with crushed tortilla chips.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What are the primary proteins in this dish?
The primary protein source is boneless skinless chicken breast, providing 20g of protein per serving.
What spices are used to season the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with salt, pepper, ground cumin, and chili powder.
How is the chicken prepared?
The chicken breast is cut into strips, seasoned, and then sautéed in a skillet with salsa.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken takes about 8 minutes to cook over medium-high heat until it reaches 165°F.
What temperature should the chicken reach for safety?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
What type of salad greens should I use?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce package of mixed salad greens.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 15g of fat per serving.
What kind of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 20g of carbohydrates in each serving.
What kind of dressing is used?
A combination of ranch dressing and salsa is used to dress the salad.
How do I add crunch to the salad?
The crunch comes from adding 1/2 cup of crushed tortilla chips just before serving.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can cook the seasoned chicken ahead of time and store it, then assemble the salad when ready to eat.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and an easy recipe, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
How much salsa is required for the recipe?
You will need 1 cup of salsa in total, divided between cooking the chicken and dressing the salad.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder.
What type of skillet is best for cooking the chicken?
A large nonstick skillet is recommended for cooking the chicken over medium-high heat.
When should I add the tortilla chips?
Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips over the salad as the final step immediately before serving to keep them crunchy.
Is this a light meal option?
Yes, it is described as a delicious and light meal, ideal for lunch or dinner.
Can I substitute the ranch dressing?
While the recipe specifies ranch for the 'Zesty Ranch' flavor, you could experiment with other creamy dressings if preferred.
What gives the salad its taco flavor?
The combination of cumin, chili powder, salsa, and tortilla chips provides the classic taco flavor profile.
How do I ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed?
Gently toss the cooked chicken, greens, and cheese together in a large mixing bowl before adding the dressing.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients required for this salad.
Is there a specific way to cut the chicken?
The boneless skinless chicken breast should be cut into strips.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cheddar is recommended, you could use a Mexican blend or pepper jack for a different flavor.
How much ranch dressing is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of ranch dressing.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, the description notes that this salad is sure to impress family and friends.
Can I add extra vegetables to this salad?
Yes, although not in the basic recipe, you could easily add ingredients like avocado, corn, or black beans.