MMMMexicali Salad

When I'm in the mood for mexican, but want something on the fresh and healthy side, I opt for MMMMexical Salad because mmmm, it is delicious! It's a great one-dish meal where you get your veggies and protein, and even some saltiness to top it off.

 

MMMMexicali Salad

 

1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast

1 tbsp fajita or taco seasoning, divided

2 tbsp olive oil

1 - 2 limes, juiced

2 - 3 cups lettuce

1 large tomato, diced, or 1/2 c cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 c sliced olives

1/3 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

1/4 queso fresco cheese

2 tbsp scallions

1/4 crushed tortilla chips

1 tbsp fresh, chopped cilantro

 

1. Cube chicken breast. Toss with fajita or taco seasoning and 1 tbsp olive oil and saute apx. 5 minutes, or until cooked through.

2. Meanwhile, whisk remaining tbsp of olive oil with lime juice. Season with salt.

2. Divide lettuce into two salad bowls. Top evenly with chicken, tomatoes, and remaining ingredients.

You can really style this salad to your liking. Sometimes, if I have bell peppers, I'll dice or slice them, along with onions, and saute. Jalapenos would be a good addition as well, just make sure to remove the seeds! Kidney or garbanzo beans would also work here. As for the cheese, I LOVE queso fresco (you can find it in the deli section by the cheeses), but cheddar or a mexican blend is great, too! Lime juice and olive oil make the perfect salad dressing, but you could also use a pre-made cilantro lime dressing. Finally, I've also used ground turkey, browned in taco seasoning, in place of chicken. Steak is another option, or if you are trying to cut down on meat, just increase the amount of veggies. I guarantee you'll be mmmm mmmming your way through dinner! Serve with chips and salsa, and a corona if you really want to get into the spirit!