Learn How to Make a Delicious Chicken Salad with a Mexican Twist!
Looking for a simple, healthy, and flavorful meal? Mexican Chicken Salad Recipe is the perfect choice! It’s easy to make, full of colorful ingredients, and great for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic. In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to prepare it, discover fun global variations, and find helpful tips to make it just right for your needs.
Table of Contents
What Is Mexican Chicken Salad?
Mexican Chicken Salad, or Ensalada de Pollo, is a delicious mix of shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing. Unlike typical salads, this version is full of bold flavors, a little spice, and a satisfying crunch. You can enjoy it on its own or serve it with crackers, tostadas, or lettuce cups.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups – shredded cooked chicken (boiled or rotisserie)
- 1/2 cup – mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (or light cream cheese)
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup cooked carrots (chopped)
- 1/2 cup boiled potatoes (chopped)
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup cooked peas
- 1/2 cup chopped pickled or fresh jalapeños
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Optional Add-Ons:
- Chopped cilantro
- Crumbled queso fresco
- Sliced avocado
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Boil or roast until fully cooked. Allow it to cool, then use a fork to shred it.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Boil carrots and potatoes until soft.
- Cook the peas and corn. Let everything cool.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Everything:
- To the dressing, add the cooked vegetables and the shredded chicken.
- Stir gently until well mixed.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Serve cold and enjoy!
Tips to Make It Even Better
- Use rotisserie chicken for more flavor and convenience.
- Add chipotle sauce and stir for a spicy, smokey touch.
- Add black beans for extra protein.
- Always serve cold for the best taste and texture.
🌍 Fun Global Variations
🇮🇳 Indian-Style: Ramesh, a teacher in India, adds green chilies and garam masala for extra heat. He now sells it as a popular street snack in his community.
🇫🇷 French-Style: Marie from France replaces mayo with Dijon mustard and adds chopped fresh herbs. Her version is lighter and has a sharp, fresh flavor.
🇯🇵 Japanese-Style: Hiroshi in Japan uses leftover teriyaki chicken and mixes it with shredded cabbage and sesame dressing. It is umami-rich, flavo rful, and sweet.
Mexican Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups – shredded cooked chicken (boiled or rotisserie)
- 1/2 cup – mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (or light cream cheese)
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup cooked carrots (chopped)
- 1/2 cup boiled potatoes (chopped)
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup cooked peas
- 1/2 cup chopped pickled or fresh jalapeños
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- Boil or roast until fully cooked. Allow it to cool, then use a fork to shred it.
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Boil carrots and potatoes until soft.
- Cook the peas and corn. Let everything cool.
Make the Dressing:
- In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Combine Everything:
- To the dressing, add the cooked vegetables and the shredded chicken.
- Stir gently until well mixed.
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Serve cold and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Ingredient | Calories | Health Benefits |
| Chicken (2 cups) | 320 | High in protein |
| Greek Yogurt | 100 | Good for digestion |
| Carrots & Peas | 80 | Rich in vitamins and fiber |
| Corn | 70 | Source of energy and fiber |
| Jalapeños | 5 | Helps boost metabolism |
| Avocado (optional) | 160 | Full of healthy fats |
How to Adjust It for Your Diet
Trying to eat lighter?
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
- Skip the cheese or use less.
Following a keto diet?
- Leave out corn and carrots.
- Add more avocado and olives.
Making it kid-friendly?
- Avoid jalapeños.
- Serve with fun-shaped toast or crackers.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Salad
This salad is more than just a quick meal—it’s healthy, tasty, and incredibly easy to make. You can customize it to fit your tastes and dietary needs, and it’s perfect for both kids and adults. Whether you’re packing lunch or preparing dinner, this salad is sure to impress.
👉 Want More Recipes Like This?
Mexican Chicken Salad Recipe – FAQ
1. Is this salad healthy?
Absolutely. It’s high in protein and includes vegetables rich in fiber and vitamins. You can make it even healthier by substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise and reducing the portion of starchy ingredients like potatoes or corn.
2. What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
You can substitute mayonnaise with:\n- Greek yogurt (for a tangy, protein-rich option)\n- Avocado (for a creamy, dairy-free choice)\n- Hummus or tahini (for a unique Mediterranean twist)
3. How can I add more flavor?
Enhance the flavor with ingredients like:\n- A dash of cumin or chili powder\n- Finely chopped onions or garlic\n- Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley\n- A splash of vinegar or extra lime juice
