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Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad with Creamy Baja Catalina Dressing Recipe

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4.1 from 3 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Cilantro Lime Chicken Taco Salad tossed with fresh vegetables, black beans, avocado, and crunchy tortilla chips, all drizzled with a creamy, tangy Baja Catalina dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, and a hint of cilantro lime marinade. Quick to prepare and perfect for a light, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 recipe Cilantro Lime Chicken
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered (or 2 roma tomatoes, chopped)
  • 1 orange or red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Corn from 2 ears sweet corn, raw
  • 1/2 cup finely grated sharp cheddar cheese (or more to taste)
  • 2 avocados, chopped
  • Tortilla chips or tortilla strips, slightly crushed, to taste

Baja Catalina Dressing

  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (may substitute yogurt)
  • 1 tablespoon reserved Cilantro Lime Marinade from the chicken recipe

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cilantro Lime Chicken. Follow your Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe to cook the chicken, making sure to reserve 1 tablespoon of the marinade for the dressing. Once cooked, slice or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Make the Baja Catalina Dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, red wine vinegar, sugar, mayonnaise, sour cream, and the reserved 1 tablespoon cilantro lime marinade until smooth. Refrigerate the dressing and allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes to blend the flavors; it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
  3. Assemble the Salad. In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, chopped bell pepper, black beans, raw corn kernels, grated cheddar cheese, chopped avocados, and the prepared cilantro lime chicken pieces. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
  4. Serve with Dressing and Chips. Drizzle the salad with your desired amount of the creamy Baja Catalina dressing. Top with crushed tortilla chips or strips for added crunch. Season to taste with extra salt, pepper, hot sauce, and/or lime juice as preferred.

Notes

  • The dressing benefits from chilling, allowing the flavors to meld together better.
  • Adjust the sugar in the dressing to balance the acidity to your taste.
  • Use fresh, ripe avocados and crisp lettuce for best texture.
  • The recipe can be customized with your favorite taco toppings like jalapeños or cilantro.
  • You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt for a lighter dressing option.

Find it online: https://glowcooks.com/cilantro-lime-chicken-taco-salad-with-creamy-baja-catalina-dressing-recipe/