Chicken Taos Salad

Chicken Taos Salad Recipe | Mexican Cuisine

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Taos Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, hearty beans, sweet corn, and crunchy vegetables with a zesty lime dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.

History

The origins of Chicken Taos Salad can be traced back to the southwestern United States, where it is inspired by the flavors and ingredients commonly found in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. This salad is a popular choice for those looking for a healthy and flavorful meal that is easy to prepare.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked rice
2 cups diced cooked chicken breast meat
1 15 oz (425 g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 11 oz (312 g) can corn, drained
1 medium-size red bell pepper, chopped
0.5 cup thinly sliced green onions
0.25 cup vegetable oil
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp cider vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp chili powder
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp cumin
0.25 tsp hot pepper sauce

How to prepare

Combine rice, chicken, beans, corn, red pepper, and green onions in a large bowl. Whisk together oil, lime juice, vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, cumin, and hot pepper sauce in a small bowl. Pour the mixture over the salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Variations

Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Add diced tomatoes, black beans, or jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different grain option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice according to package instructions to ensure it is fluffy and not mushy.

- You can use any type of cooked meat in this recipe, such as chicken, beef, or pork.

- Feel free to add additional vegetables or toppings to customize the salad to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Taos Salad on a bed of lettuce or mixed greens for added freshness and crunch. You can also top the salad with avocado slices, shredded cheese, or sour cream for extra flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Chicken Taos Salad is to cook the rice and meat properly, and to ensure that the vegetables are chopped evenly. Be sure to toss the salad gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have all the ingredients on hand, feel free to substitute with what you have available. You can use any type of cooked meat, beans, or vegetables in this salad, and adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the components of this salad ahead of time and assemble it just before serving. Store the cooked rice, meat, and vegetables in separate containers in the refrigerator, and make the dressing in advance for easy assembly.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Taos Salad in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian dishes. You can also serve it alongside a bowl of soup or a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chicken Taos Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad until warmed through, or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Taos Salad contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie meal option that is perfect for those looking to maintain or lose weight.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this Chicken Taos Salad come primarily from the rice, beans, and corn. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

The fats in this salad come from the vegetable oil used in the dressing. While fats are high in calories, they are also essential for overall health and can help the body absorb certain vitamins and minerals.

Proteins

The protein in this Chicken Taos Salad comes from the chicken and beans. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied after a meal.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the red bell pepper, vitamin A from the corn, and potassium from the beans. These nutrients are important for overall health and can help support a strong immune system.

Alergens

This recipe contains garlic, which is a common allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any other potential allergens in the ingredients before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, Chicken Taos Salad is a nutritious and balanced meal option that is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Summary

Chicken Taos Salad is a delicious and nutritious meal option that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This salad is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. With a zesty lime dressing and a variety of fresh ingredients, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Chicken Taos Salad. It was during a summer trip to New Mexico, where I had the pleasure of staying with a dear friend who shared her family's treasured recipe with me.

The sun was shining brightly as we gathered in her kitchen, the scent of roasted green chilies filling the air. My friend, Maria, had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she pulled out a faded index card from her recipe box. "This is a family favorite," she said with a smile, handing me the card.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could feel my mouth watering in anticipation. The combination of tender grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, creamy avocado, and tangy dressing sounded like a match made in culinary heaven. Maria explained that the salad was a staple in her family's home, often enjoyed on warm summer evenings with a side of fresh tortillas.

Eager to learn the secrets behind this delicious dish, I watched as Maria expertly grilled the chicken, charred the green chilies, and chopped the vegetables with precision. She shared stories of her grandmother teaching her the recipe, passing down the tradition from one generation to the next.

As the salad came together, Maria poured the zesty dressing over the vibrant ingredients, the colors and flavors melding together in perfect harmony. The first bite was a revelation - the smoky chicken, spicy chilies, and creamy avocado creating a symphony of tastes on my palate.

From that moment on, Chicken Taos Salad became a beloved recipe in my own kitchen. I shared it with friends and family, each bite bringing back memories of that sunny afternoon in New Mexico.

Over the years, I have made a few adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own twist with a touch of lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro. But the essence of the dish remains the same - a celebration of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Chicken Taos Salad, I can't help but feel grateful for the connections that food can create. Whether it's a shared recipe passed down through generations or a new discovery in a far-off land, the act of cooking and eating together brings us closer, bridging gaps and fostering understanding.

So here's to the power of food to unite us, to nourish our bodies and souls, and to remind us of the beauty of simple pleasures. And here's to Chicken Taos Salad, a humble dish that holds a special place in my heart and on my table. Cheers to good food, good friends, and good memories.