Best Easy Mexican Chicken Salad Recipe

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Looking for a flavorful, protein-packed lunch idea? This Mexican chicken salad recipe is a perfect easy lunch recipe that uses simple ingredients and bold flavors to turn leftover chicken into something truly delicious.

How to Make This Mexican Chicken Salad Recipe

This Mexican chicken salad recipe is a tasty twist on the traditional avocado chicken salad recipe, and a nice change from my chicken kale salad. With just a handful of ingredients and no cooking required, it’s a quick meal ready in minutes and full of flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Mexican chicken salad recipe. It’s a great way to clear out your fridge.

• cooked chicken breast, leftover rotisserie chicken, or canned chicken, shredded or chopped
• 1 ripe avocado (or two small avocados), mashed
• cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley)
• plain Greek yogurt or plain yogurt
• Juice of 1 lime
• teaspoon garlic powder
• teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder
• teaspoon cumin (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: diced cucumber, red onion, green onion or jalapeño for crunch and kick

Directions

This salad comes together in just a few steps, making it a perfect easy lunch recipe. It’s a creative way to serve leftover chicken on busy weekdays.

1. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, mashed avocado, tomatoes, and fresh cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, lime juice, and seasonings. For more tang, stir in a splash of jalapeño brine or even a teaspoon of yellow mustard.
3. Pour the yogurt mixture over the chicken and gently fold until everything is well coated.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

For added crunch and fiber, serve it with a scoop of Mexican street corn, wrapped in tostada shells, or on top of iceberg lettuce.

Need more leftover meal ideas with a Mexican spin? Try my leftover taco meat pasta dish or these Mexican tortilla rollups. Both recipes are delicious ways to stretch leftovers into something new.

Why This is One of My Favorite Summer Salads

I’ve been making some version of this easy ensalada de pollo for years, especially during those hot days when no one feels like cooking. It’s one of my favorite ways to use leftover rotisserie chicken or canned chicken in the summer.

I often throw it together for my girls when we’ve spent the afternoon outside or after a busy homeschool morning. We’ve enjoyed it at the picnic table with saltine crackers, wrapped in tortillas, or scooped up with tortilla chips.

This creamy salad is loaded with fresh vegetables, protein from chicken breast or chicken thighs, and a creamy sauce made with lime juice, plain Greek yogurt, and seasonings. It’s fast, flexible, and ideal for easy meal prep on any day of the week.

FAQs

Got questions about this Mexican chicken salad recipe? Here are the most common ones I get. If you don’t see your question here, leave it in the comments below and I’ll try to help.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best eaten fresh. If you’re planning to prep it in advance, mix everything except the avocado and add that just before serving to avoid browning.

What kind of chicken works best?

This recipe is flexible. I’ve made it with everything from leftover chicken to Instant Pot shredded chicken to grilled chicken thighs. Just avoid anything with a strong sauce already on it.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any remaining salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. The avocado might darken slightly, but the flavor still holds up well.

This Mexican chicken salad recipe is the kind of easy recipe I love having on hand for summer lunches. With a short prep time, it’s great for turning leftover ingredients like black beans, green beans, and chicken breasts into a cooling, crave-worthy salad that’s full of protein and color.

Whether you’re serving it with saltines, tucked into wraps, or over crisp greens, it’s one of those dishes that never sticks around long. See more frugal summer salad favorites right here.

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