There’s something about a fully loaded taco salad that hits all the right notes—fresh, flavorful, hearty, and satisfying. This Loaded Chicken Taco Salad with Creamy Lime-Cilantro Dressing is exactly that. It’s a fiesta in a bowl, packed with lean grilled chicken, crunchy veggies, bold spices, and a zesty homemade dressing that brings it all together.
This is more than just a salad—it’s a full meal. Each bite offers a balance of protein, healthy fats, and veggies. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving dinner to a hungry family, this salad delivers big on taste and nutrition.
The beauty of taco salads lies in their versatility. You can make it as spicy, crunchy, or creamy as you like. In this version, we’re going bold with chili-lime seasoned chicken, black beans, sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and crispy tortilla strips.
Grilled chicken makes it hearty without weighing you down. It’s marinated in lime juice, garlic, and spices to ensure each bite is packed with flavor. For a shortcut, you can also use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken.
The creamy lime-cilantro dressing is the real star here. Made with Greek yogurt, lime juice, fresh cilantro, garlic, and a touch of honey, it’s tangy, vibrant, and just the right amount of creamy to coat every ingredient.
Everything gets tossed together right before serving to keep the textures fresh—crunchy lettuce, juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy dressing. It’s a salad that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Even better, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free or vegetarian. Just skip the cheese or chicken and load up on beans and veggies.
This dish is perfect for summer gatherings, weeknight dinners, or anytime you want a light yet satisfying meal. It also holds up great for lunch the next day if stored without the dressing.
Each ingredient brings something special. The avocado adds creaminess, the tortilla strips provide crunch, and the black beans boost the fiber and protein content.
You can get creative with toppings too. Add pickled jalapeños for heat, shredded cheese for richness, or extra lime wedges for a punch of acidity.
This salad proves that eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring. It’s colorful, exciting, and layered with flavor.
It’s also a great way to get your family to eat more veggies without complaint. It feels indulgent and fun—like you’re having tacos, but better.
If you love Mexican-inspired meals, this salad will quickly become a favorite. It captures everything you love about tacos in a fresh, wholesome form.
Don’t be surprised if it becomes a go-to recipe in your household. It’s that good.
Servings: 4
Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the salad:
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- 6 cups romaine or mixed greens, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
For the creamy lime-cilantro dressing:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a small bowl or blender, mix all dressing ingredients until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside.
- Season and grill chicken breasts (or use pre-cooked chicken), then slice thinly.
- In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, black beans, corn, and red onion.
- Add grilled chicken slices on top.
- Drizzle with the creamy lime-cilantro dressing.
- Sprinkle tortilla strips over the top and serve immediately.
Tips:
- Add lime zest to the dressing for extra zing.
- Use a mix of romaine and cabbage for more crunch.
- Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt for a vegan dressing.
- Store components separately if meal prepping to keep everything fresh.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Packed with flavor and texture
- Healthy, hearty, and satisfying
- Easy to customize and meal-prep friendly
- Naturally gluten-free
- Great way to enjoy taco flavors in a salad
Summary: This Loaded Chicken Taco Salad is a fresh and flavorful meal that combines grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy lime-cilantro dressing. It’s satisfying, easy to make, and bursting with bold, zesty flavors—perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
