This Zesty Taco Chicken Salad is a flavor-packed, nutrient-dense dish that’s perfect for those following Paleo, Whole30, or Keto diets. With tender, diced chicken combined with crisp veggies and seasoned with bold spices, this salad has a delicious taco-inspired flavor without the carbs. Ready in minutes, this meal is excellent for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, offering a satisfying way to enjoy clean, whole-food ingredients.
Ingredients
- 3–4 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/4 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
- Juice of 1/2 lime
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced cooked chicken, green and red bell peppers, red onion, tomato, and chopped cilantro.
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, and chipotle powder. Stir well to create an even spice blend.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the mayonnaise and lime juice to the chicken and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle the spice blend over the top and mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the spices and mayo.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary. You may add more lime juice or a bit more cayenne for extra heat.
- Serve and Enjoy: This salad can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve on a bed of lettuce, in lettuce wraps, or enjoy on its own.
Conclusion
This Zesty Taco Chicken Salad is a deliciously bold, protein-packed meal that’s ideal for any low-carb or whole-food-focused diet. With its vibrant vegetables and rich, smoky spices, this salad delivers all the taco flavors you love in a healthy, wholesome dish. Enjoy it as a meal prep option, a quick lunch, or a nutritious snack any day of the week.
Zesty Taco Chicken Salad – Paleo, Whole30, Keto-Friendly
Ingredients
- 3 –4 cups cooked chicken diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise adjust to taste
- 1/2 green bell pepper diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 cup red onion diced
- 1/2 medium tomato diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/4 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for spice
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
- Juice of 1/2 lime
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced cooked chicken, green and red bell peppers, red onion, tomato, and chopped cilantro.
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, and chipotle powder. Stir well to create an even spice blend.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the mayonnaise and lime juice to the chicken and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle the spice blend over the top and mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the spices and mayo.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary. You may add more lime juice or a bit more cayenne for extra heat.
- Serve and Enjoy: This salad can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve on a bed of lettuce, in lettuce wraps, or enjoy on its own.