Perfect for a veggie rich dinner, this salad satisfies in the dead of winter and heat of summer. Pair with margaritas, chips and salsa, and your favorite merengue music for a party!
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 Chicken Breasts, halved lengthwise
- 2 t Garlic Powder
- 1 t Chili Powder
- 1 t Paprika
- 1 t Kosher Salt, reserved
- Juice of Quarter of a Lime, reserved
Salad
- 3 Romaine Lettuce, sliced
- 1 Can of Whole Kernel Corn, drained
- 1 Can of Black Beans, rinsed
- 1 Red Onion, diced
- 1 Bunch of Cilantro, minced
- 1 Jalapeno, seeded, minced
- 1 pt Cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2C Shredded Cheddar Taco Mix or Cotija or Feta
- 1 Avocado, sliced, reserved
- Juice of Quarter of a Lime, reserved
Dressing
- 1/2C Sour Cream
- 1/4C Mayonnaise
- 1/2T Ranch Powder
- 1/2T Chili Powder
- 1/4T ea. Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Kosher Salt, Cumin
- 1/2t Tajin Lime Chili Salt
- 3 Splashes Tabanero or other sweet hot sauce
- Juice of Half a Lime
- 1T Apple Cider Vinegar
Tortilla Strips
- 2 Large Flour Tortilla, sliced into 2" x 1/2" strips
- 2C Neutral Oil (Vegetable, Canola)
- 1t Tajin
Steps
Dressing
- Whisk all together in small bowl.
- Place covered in fridge, 30 minutes.
Chicken
- Combine all spices in a small bowl.
- Halve chicken.
- In a large bowl, coat chicken in neutral oil, and mixed spices.
- Cover and let chill, 30 minutes.
- Begin Salad prep below.
- Preheat oven to lowest setting ~200F.
- In a large cast iron pan, add a Tbsp of neutral oil.
- Heat until oil shimmering.
- Salt chicken.
- Cook chicken on each side to an internal temperature of 155F.
- While chicken sautes, add tortilla strips to oil.
- Place in dish with high sides in oven. Let rest 10-15 minutes.
- If desired, pan drippings may be strained and incorporated into dressing before serving.
- Cube chicken, toss in lime juice, and add to salad.
Tortilla Strips
- In a small sauce pan, heat 2C neutral oil to 325F.
- Working in batches, fry tortilla strips until lightly golden, about 30 seconds.
- Toss with Tajin.
Salad
- Combine all ingredients.
- Toss to incorporate.
- Top with Lime Juice, Avocado, and Tortilla Strips.