Taco Salad and Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe

This crispy, fresh taco salad fuses vibrant Mexican flavors with a zesty, homemade cilantro-lime ranch dressing for a delightful experience. The rich taste of the chicken, simmered in salsa and taco seasoning, beautifully combines with the beans, corn, lettuce, and other salad ingredients. The bold cilantro-lime dressing elevates the dish, making it a perfect summer meal choice.

Photos of Taco Salad and Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe

While most ingredients for this taco salad recipe are widely available, some may not be standard pantry items. The ‘taco seasoning mix’ and ‘buttermilk ranch seasoning mix’ might need a quick trip to the supermarket if you don't usually stock them. Also, sourcing ‘taco salad bowls’ could require a special visit, but regular bowls would work just fine.

Ingredients for the Taco Salad with Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing

Chicken breast: This will be slow-cooked with salsa and taco seasoning, making it the main protein source in the salad.

Fresh salsa: Adds a tangy flavor to the chicken and the salad.

Taco seasoning mix: Gives the chicken its Mexican-inspired taste.

Black beans and Pinto beans: Adds a hearty, filling element to the salad.

Corn kernels: Provides a sweet crunch to the salad.

Lettuce: Gives the salad its fresh, crispy base.

Monterrey Jack cheese: Adds a creamy, slightly spicy flavor.

Tomatoes: Gives a juicy, fresh taste to the salad.

Avocados: Provides a creamy, healthy fat element.

Sour cream: Adds a cool, tangy flavor to the salad.

Mayonnaise: It's a main ingredient in the ranch dressing.

Milk: Thins the dressing while adding creaminess.

Buttermilk ranch seasoning mix: Gives the dressing its classic ranch flavor.

Cilantro: Adds fresh, citrusy flavor to the dressing.

Garlic: Adds a kick to the dressing.

Lime: Gives the dressing a fresh, tangy taste.

One reader, Gwendolin Totten says:

This taco salad with cilantro lime ranch dressing recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so fresh and vibrant. The cilantro lime ranch dressing adds the perfect zing to the dish. It's a crowd-pleaser and has become a regular in my meal rotation. Highly recommend trying it out!

Gwendolin Totten

Mastering the Techniques for Taco Salad with Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing

How to cook the chicken in a slow cooker: Place the chicken in a slow cooker, pour salsa over the chicken, and sprinkle with taco seasoning. Cook on low heat for 5 hours, then remove the chicken, shred it, and set it aside.

How to prepare the cilantro lime ranch dressing: Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, buttermilk ranch seasoning mix, cilantro, garlic, and lime in a blender. Blend until all ingredients are finely chopped, then store in the refrigerator.

How to assemble the taco salad: Layer flour tortilla chips, lettuce, chicken mixture, cheese, avocados, tomatoes, and sour cream in a bowl. Drizzle with cilantro lime ranch dressing and serve immediately.

How To Make Taco Salad and Cilantro Lime Ranch

Treat yourself with a tasty Mexican dish anytime. This taco salad recipe is full of flavors that blend perfectly together.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 5 hours

Total: 5 hours 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2largechicken breastboneless, skinless, halves
1 ½ cupsfresh salsa
1 ½ Tbsptaco seasoning mixstore bought or homemade
15ozblack beansdrained and rinsed
15ozpinto beansdrained and rinsed
1cupcorn kernelsfrozen
1headgreen leaf or iceberg lettucecut or torn into bite size pieces
1 ½cupsMonterrey Jack cheeseshredded or Cheddar cheese
3Roma tomatoesdiced
2avocadosdiced
Sour creamfor serving
1recipecilantro lime ranch
6taco salad bowlsor fried flour tortilla chips

For Cilantro Lime Ranch:

¼cupmayonnaise
2Tbsp.mayonnaise
¼cupsour cream
¼cupmilk
1tbspbuttermilk ranch seasoning mix
¼cupcilantroabout a small handful
1smallclove garlic
½Limejuice

Instructions

Place chicken in a slow cooker, pour salsa over the chicken and sprinkle with taco seasoning. Place lid over slow cooker and cook on low heat for 5 hours.
Remove chicken from slow cooker (leaving salsa broth in slow cooker), shred chicken and set aside.
Pour black beans, pinto beans and corn kernels into salsa broth in slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Gently stir in chicken and cook on low heat for about 15 minutes until all ingredients are heated through.
To prepare each salad, layer flour tortilla chips, lettuce, chicken mixture, cheese, avocados, tomatoes, sour cream and drizzle with cilantro lime ranch. Serve immediately.

Cilantro Lime Ranch

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until all ingredients are finely chopped. Store in refrigerator.

Recipe Notes

Scoop chicken mixture out of slow cooker using a slotted spoon.

Nutrition

Calories: 3587.06kcal
Fat: 296.84g
Saturated Fat: 88.09g
Trans Fat: 0.10g
Monounsaturated Fat: 81.33g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 116.86g
Carbohydrates: 144.18g
Fiber: 32.61g
Sugar: 28.66g
Protein: 95.57g
Cholesterol: 399.85mg
Sodium: 2890.29mg
Calcium: 1778.81mg
Potassium: 3782.24mg
Iron: 11.29mg
Vitamin A: 885.90µg
Vitamin C: 51.13mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Taco Salad with Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing

When shredding the chicken, using two forks can make the process easier and quicker. Hold one fork in each hand, and use them to pull the meat apart. Also, shredding the chicken while it's still warm makes it easier to pull apart. If you let it cool completely, the meat can become tough and more difficult to shred.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Taco Salad

Prep ahead: Prepare the salsa and cilantro lime ranch dressing a day in advance to save time on the day of making the taco salad.

Use pre-cooked chicken: Utilize pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to cut down on cooking time.

Canned beans: Opt for canned black beans and pinto beans instead of cooking them from scratch to save time and effort.

Chop in bulk: Chop all the vegetables in one go and store them in the refrigerator for quick and easy assembly when making the taco salad.

Multi-task: While the chicken is cooking in the slow cooker, use that time to prepare the other salad ingredients to save time.

Substitute Ingredients For Taco Salad and Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe

chicken breast - Substitute with tofu or tempeh: Tofu or tempeh can be used as a plant-based alternative to chicken in the taco salad, providing a similar texture and protein content for a vegetarian option.
monterrey jack cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese can be used as a substitute for monterrey jack cheese, providing a sharp and tangy flavor to the taco salad.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to sour cream, offering a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor to the dressing.
buttermilk ranch seasoning mix - Substitute with homemade ranch seasoning mix: A homemade ranch seasoning mix can be used as a substitute for the store-bought buttermilk ranch seasoning mix, allowing for customization of flavors and reducing the amount of preservatives.
taco salad bowls - Substitute with tortilla chips: Crushed tortilla chips can be used as a substitute for taco salad bowls, adding a crunchy texture and flavor to the salad.

Presenting Your Cilantro Lime Ranch Taco Salad

Elevate the taco salad bowl: Choose a visually appealing taco salad bowl to serve the dish. Consider using a unique and artisanal bowl to enhance the presentation.
Artfully arrange the ingredients: Carefully layer the ingredients in the taco salad bowl, ensuring that each component is thoughtfully placed to create an eye-catching display.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Utilize the colorful ingredients such as fresh salsa, ripe avocados, and bright tomatoes to add visual appeal to the dish.
Garnish with fresh cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over the top of the taco salad to add a pop of green and a burst of freshness to the presentation.
Drizzle the cilantro lime ranch dressing: Use a delicate hand to drizzle the cilantro lime ranch dressing over the salad, creating an elegant and appetizing presentation.
Add a touch of flair with tortilla chip garnish: Place a few strategically positioned tortilla chips around the edge of the bowl to add a touch of texture and elevate the overall presentation.
Consider the placement of the sour cream: Use a small quenelle or carefully placed dollop of sour cream to add a touch of creaminess and sophistication to the dish.
Emphasize the layers: Showcase the layers of the taco salad by ensuring that they are visible and distinct, creating an enticing visual appeal.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Taco Salad

Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used to simmer food at a lower temperature for an extended period of time.
Blender: A kitchen appliance used to mix, purée, or emulsify food and other substances.
Knife: A cutting tool with a sharp blade, used for preparing ingredients.
Cutting board: A durable board on which to place material for cutting.
Measuring cups and spoons: Utensils used to measure quantities of ingredients for cooking and baking.
Tongs: A tool with two arms that are joined at one end, used for picking up and manipulating food.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients.
Spatula: A broad, flat, flexible tool used to mix, spread, and lift ingredients.
Ladle: A long-handled spoon with a deep bowl for serving soups and stews.
Serving platter: A large plate or tray used for serving food.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, and pureeing ingredients.

Storing and Freezing Your Taco Salad Creation

To store leftover taco salad, place the lettuce, chicken, beans, corn, and other toppings in separate airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
The cilantro lime ranch dressing can be stored in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
When ready to serve, assemble the salad components in individual bowls and drizzle with the dressing.
Note: It's best to store the tortilla chips separately at room temperature to maintain their crispness.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken mixture (without the salsa broth) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
To freeze the cilantro lime ranch dressing, pour it into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
When ready to use the frozen chicken mixture, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in a pan or microwave before adding it to the salad.
For the frozen dressing cubes, thaw the desired amount in the refrigerator and whisk well before using.
Pro tip: To keep the avocado from turning brown, squeeze a little lime juice over the surface and place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top before storing in the refrigerator.

How To Reheat Taco Salad Leftovers

To reheat leftover taco salad with cilantro lime ranch dressing, start by separating the components. Remove the lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, and any other cold toppings from the chicken mixture and set them aside.
Place the chicken mixture in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the mixture is heated through and steaming.
Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan to prevent the mixture from drying out. Stir occasionally until the mixture is heated through and sizzling.
While the chicken mixture is reheating, prepare the cold toppings. Chop fresh lettuce, dice new tomatoes, and slice fresh avocados. This will ensure that your reheated taco salad has a fresh and crisp texture.
Once the chicken mixture is hot, assemble the taco salad in a bowl. Start with a layer of tortilla chips, then add the hot chicken mixture, followed by the fresh cold toppings.
Drizzle the reserved cilantro lime ranch dressing over the top of the salad. If the dressing has thickened in the refrigerator, you can thin it out with a splash of milk or water before drizzling.
For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime juice over the top of the salad before serving.
If you prefer a warm dressing, you can microwave the cilantro lime ranch for a few seconds before drizzling it over the salad. Be careful not to overheat the dressing, as it may separate or curdle.
Serve the reheated taco salad immediately, while the chicken mixture is still hot and the cold toppings are fresh and crisp. Enjoy your delicious and satisfying meal!

Interesting Trivia About Taco Salad

The taco salad with cilantro lime ranch dressing recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual tastes. It's a great way to incorporate a variety of fresh and healthy ingredients into one satisfying meal. The cilantro lime ranch dressing adds a zesty and refreshing flavor to the salad, enhancing the overall dining experience. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or as a quick and easy weeknight dinner option. It's a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of Mexican cuisine in a convenient and enjoyable format.

Is Making Taco Salad at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this taco salad with cilantro lime ranch dressing recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of ingredients. The use of affordable staples like beans, corn, and chicken breast makes it relatively budget-friendly. The versatility of the ingredients also allows for variations based on seasonal produce and personal preferences, enhancing its cost-effectiveness. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, considering its balance of flavors, nutritional value, and ease of preparation. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30, making it a reasonable option for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Is This Taco Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The taco salad with cilantro lime ranch dressing recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes:

Lean protein from chicken breast
Fiber-rich beans and lettuce
Nutritious vegetables like tomatoes and avocados
Fresh ingredients like cilantro and lime

However, there are also some less healthy components:

High-fat ingredients like cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise
Processed items such as taco seasoning mix and ranch seasoning mix
Fried flour tortilla chips adding extra calories and fat

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Swap the flour tortilla chips for baked whole grain tortilla chips or omit them altogether
Reduce the amount of cheese and sour cream, or opt for low-fat versions
Replace some of the mayonnaise in the dressing with Greek yogurt for a protein boost and lower fat content
Use fresh herbs and spices instead of processed seasoning mixes to reduce sodium and additives
Add more colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or radishes to increase nutrient density
Serve the dressing on the side to allow individuals to control their portion size

By making these adjustments, you can transform this taco salad into a more balanced and nutritious meal that still delivers on flavor and satisfaction. The key is to focus on whole, minimally processed ingredients and to be mindful of high-fat additions. With a few tweaks, this recipe can become a delicious and healthy option for lunch or dinner.

Editor's Take on This Cilantro Lime Ranch Taco Salad Recipe

The taco salad with cilantro lime ranch dressing recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The slow-cooked chicken infused with salsa and taco seasoning creates a rich and savory base, complemented by the hearty combination of black beans, pinto beans, and corn. The fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocados add a refreshing crunch, while the creamy cilantro lime ranch dressing ties everything together with its zesty and herby notes. This recipe offers a satisfying and vibrant dining experience, perfect for a casual gathering or a quick weeknight meal.

Enhance Your Taco Salad and Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Guacamole: Create a zesty and creamy guacamole dip with a hint of lime and cilantro to complement the taco salad.

Cornbread: Bake a batch of savory and slightly sweet cornbread muffins to serve alongside the taco salad for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Fruit Salad: Prepare a refreshing and colorful fruit salad with a variety of fresh fruits to add a burst of sweetness and juiciness to the taco salad.

Churros: Indulge in a crispy and cinnamon-sugar coated churros for a delightful dessert to enjoy after savoring the taco salad.

Delicious Alternatives to Taco Salad with Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs before grilling them to perfection on skewers.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Top grilled chicken with a refreshing salsa made with diced mango, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice for a burst of tropical flavor.

Butternut Squash Soup: Roast butternut squash, onions, and garlic before blending them with vegetable broth and warming spices to create a creamy and comforting soup.

Perfect Appetizers and Desserts for Your Taco Salad Meal

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a rich and flavorful filling. The combination of earthy mushrooms and a creamy, cheesy filling will surely impress your guests.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with a classic bruschetta. The crisp, toasted bread topped with a vibrant mixture of tomatoes, basil, and garlic is a refreshing and delicious way to start any meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth and creamy texture will melt in your mouth with every spoonful.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of a classic strawberry cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious cream cheese filling. Each bite is a delightful combination of fruity and creamy goodness.

Why trust this Taco Salad and Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe:

This recipe offers a tantalizing fusion of flavors and textures, ensuring a delightful dining experience. The succulent chicken breast is slow-cooked in zesty salsa, infusing it with rich, savory notes. The medley of black beans, pinto beans, and corn kernels adds a hearty, wholesome touch, while the crisp lettuce and creamy avocados provide a refreshing contrast. The homemade cilantro lime ranch dressing, with its zingy lime and aromatic cilantro, elevates the dish to a whole new level. Trust in this recipe for a vibrant, satisfying taco salad that will undoubtedly impress your taste buds.

Share your thoughts on this Taco Salad and Cilantro Lime Ranch Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

How long does it take to make the taco salad with cilantro lime ranch dressing?

The taco salad with cilantro lime ranch dressing takes about 5 hours to cook the chicken in a slow cooker, and an additional 15 minutes to prepare the salad.

Can I make the cilantro lime ranch dressing in advance?

Yes, you can make the cilantro lime ranch dressing in advance. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can use ground beef, turkey, or even grilled shrimp as a delicious alternative to chicken in this recipe.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use additional beans or grilled vegetables as a protein substitute.

Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of making the cilantro lime ranch from scratch?

Yes, you can use store-bought ranch dressing if you prefer. However, making the cilantro lime ranch from scratch adds a fresh and zesty flavor to the taco salad.