Layered Nacho Salad

Peruvian Layered Nacho Salad Recipe with Avocado and Chicken

Region / culture: Peru | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Layered Nacho Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines all the flavors and textures of traditional nachos in a convenient salad form. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a fun and festive party dish.

History

The origins of Layered Nacho Salad can be traced back to the popular Tex-Mex dish, nachos. Nachos were invented in the 1940s by Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya, a Mexican chef in Piedras Negras, Mexico. The original nachos consisted of fried tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and jalapenos.

Over the years, nachos have evolved to include a variety of toppings such as beans, meat, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. Layered Nacho Salad takes the concept of nachos to the next level by incorporating all of these delicious toppings into a colorful and flavorful salad.

Ingredients

2 large ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
2 cups thick salsa (mild or medium-hot), or more
1 head of red-leaf lettuce, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
3 cups broken tortilla chips
1 can of black beans (15 oz or 425 g), rinsed and drained
4 green onions, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese, packed

How to prepare

Place avocados in a medium bowl.
Add 0.33 cup of salsa and mash until it reaches a chunky guacamole consistency.
Season with salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, layer half of the lettuce, chicken, chips, black beans, green onions, bell pepper, and cheese.
Top with half of the guacamole and half of the remaining salsa.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients.
If needed, use additional salsa to cover the top.

Variations

Substitute ground beef or turkey for the chicken.
Use different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
Add diced tomatoes, jalapenos, or cilantro for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe avocados for the guacamole. They should be slightly soft to the touch but not mushy.

- To prevent the guacamole from turning brown, squeeze some lime juice over the top and cover it tightly with plastic wrap.

- Customize the salad with your favorite toppings such as olives, jalapenos, or corn.

- Serve the salad immediately after assembling to prevent the chips from getting soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Layered Nacho Salad can be served as a main dish for lunch or dinner. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood.

Cooking Techniques

Layered Nacho Salad is a no-cook recipe that requires only simple assembly. However, you can customize the dish by grilling the chicken or adding other cooked ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use store-bought guacamole instead of making your own.

- Substitute pinto beans or kidney beans for the black beans.

- Use store-bought salsa instead of making your own.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the guacamole and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the chips from getting soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Layer the ingredients in a clear glass bowl or individual serving dishes to showcase the colorful layers. Garnish with extra cheese, green onions, or cilantro for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Layered Nacho Salad pairs well with a cold beer, margarita, or sparkling water with lime. It also goes well with Mexican-inspired dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, or fajitas.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Layered Nacho Salad is best served immediately after assembling. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or enjoy cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Layered Nacho Salad contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Layered Nacho Salad contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Layered Nacho Salad contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Layered Nacho Salad contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Layered Nacho Salad is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (tortilla chips). It may also contain soy (from the salsa).

Summary

Layered Nacho Salad is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Summary

Layered Nacho Salad is a fun and flavorful twist on traditional nachos. This colorful and satisfying dish is perfect for a quick and easy meal or a festive party appetizer. With layers of guacamole, salsa, chicken, beans, and cheese, this salad is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to have a potluck with my friends in the park. I wanted to make something different and exciting, so I decided to search through my old recipe books for inspiration.

As I flipped through the pages of my worn and stained cookbooks, I stumbled upon a recipe for Layered Nacho Salad. The name alone intrigued me, and as I read through the ingredients and instructions, I knew I had to give it a try.

The recipe called for layers of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, tangy salsa, and crunchy tortilla chips, all topped off with a generous helping of shredded cheese and sour cream. It sounded like a delicious and refreshing dish that would be perfect for a summer picnic.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in the kitchen. I washed and chopped the vegetables, mashed the avocado, and layered everything in a large glass bowl. The colors and textures of the different ingredients looked beautiful together, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

When my friends arrived at the park, they were delighted by the sight of the Layered Nacho Salad. They couldn't believe that I had made such a unique and flavorful dish. As we all sat down to eat, the flavors exploded in our mouths, and we couldn't help but go back for seconds.

My friends raved about the salad, asking me for the recipe so they could make it themselves. I was proud to share the recipe with them, knowing that it would bring them as much joy as it had brought me.

From that day on, Layered Nacho Salad became a staple at all of our potlucks and gatherings. It was a dish that brought people together, sparking conversations and laughter as we all enjoyed the delicious flavors and textures.

Over the years, I have made the Layered Nacho Salad countless times, each time adding my own twist or variation to the recipe. Sometimes I would add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or swap out the salsa for a spicy homemade pico de gallo.

I have shared the recipe with friends, family, and even strangers who have tasted the salad at our gatherings and asked for the secret behind its deliciousness. It has become a beloved recipe in my collection, one that I am always excited to make and share with others.

As I look back on that day in the park when I first discovered the recipe for Layered Nacho Salad, I am filled with gratitude for the joy and connection it has brought into my life. Food has a unique way of bringing people together, and this recipe has certainly done that for me and my loved ones.

I am thankful for the opportunity to learn new recipes and techniques from various places and people over the years, as it has allowed me to expand my culinary horizons and create dishes that bring happiness and satisfaction to those I love.

So if you ever find yourself in need of a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish to share with friends and family, look no further than the recipe for Layered Nacho Salad. It may just become a beloved favorite in your own recipe collection, just as it has in mine.