One of the most difficult questions in my life is, “What shall I bring to the potluck supper?” I know that it sounds crazy! Why would someone who loves to cook struggle so intensely with this quandary? I’m guessing that the answer has something to do with a gang of unknown appetites and travel-ability for the dish. This ranks high on the adjustability scale —
- Avoiding corn? Skip it.
- Want a more filling salad? Add a can of rinsed and drained black beans.
- Don’t like avocado? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU???
- Chipotle FALKSALT adds amazing flavour and a little crunch. It is available online or at IKEA stores.
- Any tortilla chips will do, but for the prettiest salad, use multi-colored.
This salad can be made “in pieces” in advance, then assembled at the last minute. It’s absolutely perfect for that potluck supper, holiday, or work day with friends.
This is also a recipe that can be made nearly a dozen times before I get a picture of it. People devour it! And truthfully, leftovers aren’t so great. The lettuce wilts and chips get soggy. So eat up, people!!! Eat it all up!
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Crowd Pleasing Chicken Taco Salad
Description
A dish to prepare in advance, then toss together last minute to feed a crowd.
Ingredients
3 pounds chicken
3 Tbsp plus 2 tsp taco seasoning, divided
1 Tbsp oil
1 tsp salt
3 heads hearts of romaine lettuce
3 avocados
1 package grape tomatoes, quartered
1 bag frozen corn, thawed and drained
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
3/4 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup medium salsa
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 large bag multi-colored tortilla chips
Large flake chipotle salt
Instructions
Heat oil in a large frying pan, cut chicken into small-ish pieces and cook in oil over medium heat, seasoning with salt and 3 Tbsp taco seasoning. When chicken is cooked, remove from pan and set aside.
Meanwhile, chop lettuce, grate cheese, drain black beans, quarter grape tomatoes, and dice avocados.
Stir together chopped cilantro, ranch dressing, and salsa. Set aside dressing.
In the frying pan, toast thawed and drained corn with remaining 2 tsp of taco seasoning until corn begins to brown slightly.
To serve, combine everything in a large bowl, gently toss with dressing, add crushed tortilla chips, and sprinkle with chipotle salt.
Notes
Find chipotle FALKSALT crystal flake sea salt online or at IKEA stores. The addition is worth the effort!
Mild salsa will be overwhelmed by the ranch dressing, so make sure you get medium or hot salsa.
