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Chipotle Chicken Salad

Savor the Zest: Easy Chipotle Chicken Salad Recipe

This Chipotle Chicken Salad is a healthy, flavorful meal featuring shredded chicken, black beans, and zesty dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise Substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • 1/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt May substitute with additional mayonnaise.
  • 1 juice fresh lime Use fresh limes for the best flavor.
  • 1-2 chipotle peppers (in adobo) Adjust quantity based on spice preference.
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce Use less or more based on heat tolerance.
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika Can be omitted for a milder flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder Optional based on heat preference.
For the Salad
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken Rotisserie chicken is recommended for convenience.
  • 1 can black beans Rinsed and drained to remove excess sodium.
  • 1 red bell pepper Diced for even texture.
  • 1 orange bell pepper Can substitute with yellow for a milder flavor.
  • 1-2 romaine ribs or celery Provides crunch and freshness.
  • 1/4 cup red onion Finely diced.
  • 2 green onions Chopped for additional flavor.
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro Adjust based on personal taste.
  • to taste black pepper Use freshly cracked for best flavor.

Equipment

  • Blender
  • mixing bowl
  • measuring cups
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

Making the Dressing
  1. In a blender, combine ¼ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt, the juice of 1 fresh lime, 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo, 1 tablespoon adobo sauce, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder if desired. Blend on high until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds, then set aside to let the flavors meld.
Preparing the Salad Base
  1. In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, preferably from a rotisserie for convenience. Next, stir in 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 1 diced orange bell pepper for a pop of color. Chop 1-2 romaine ribs or celery for a freshness crunch, along with ¼ cup finely diced red onion and 2 chopped green onions for additional flavor.
Combining Salad and Dressing
  1. Pour the chipotle dressing over the salad mixture, ensuring even coverage. Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is well coated and vibrant. Check the flavor, and season with additional kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
Serving or Storing
  1. You can serve this flavorful Chipotle Chicken Salad immediately, or transfer it to an airtight container for refrigeration. It keeps well for 3 to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep. Enjoy it on its own, with crunchy tortilla chips, or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 90mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Shred chicken while it's warm for easier handling. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients to enhance flavor. Store in airtight containers for meal prep consumption within 3-5 days.

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