Taco salads used to be my last-minute dinner fix, throw together whatever’s left in the fridge and hope it tastes good. But that changed the day I experimented with ground chicken and made my own seasoning. That trial turned into this ground chicken taco salad recipe, and now I look forward to taco salad night every week.
If you’ve ever found taco salads to be either too bland or too heavy, this recipe solves both. The seasoned ground chicken is juicy and flavorful without being greasy, and the crunchy lettuce, creamy avocado, and zesty lime dressing bring the whole dish to life.
Table of contents
Why This Ground Chicken Taco Salad Recipe Works
This ground chicken taco salad recipe combines bold flavor with balanced nutrition. Ground chicken is lean and absorbs seasoning like a dream, making it the perfect protein for taco-style salads. The warm spices give it a kick without overwhelming the freshness of the vegetables. And since everything is served in a bowl, you get all the flavors of a taco without needing tortillas.
What really makes this recipe shine is how customizable and meal-prep friendly it is. You can adjust the heat, the veggies, the dressing, even the protein, to suit your taste or dietary needs. And unlike some heavy taco salads, this one keeps it light but still satisfying.
Quick Customization Ideas
- Swap the dressing for Greek yogurt and lime
- Use romaine, iceberg, or spring mix
- Add roasted corn, black beans, or salsa for more texture
- Make it low carb by skipping beans and cheese
- Top with crushed tortilla chips for crunch
Make-Ahead & Prep Tips
This ground chicken taco salad recipe is perfect for meal prep or busy nights when you need something fast. Most of the work can be done ahead of time.
Helpful prep tips
- Cook the ground chicken in advance and store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Chop your lettuce, peppers, and onions ahead and store in a zip-top bag with a paper towel inside to keep them crisp
- Make the dressing and store in a jar, it keeps for up to a week
- Portion everything into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches
Recipe Card
Ground Chicken Taco Salad Recipe
4
servings10
minutes10
minutes350
kcalA bold, protein-packed taco salad with juicy seasoned ground chicken, fresh veggies, and a zesty homemade dressing.
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Ingredients
- For the chicken:
1 lb 1 ground chicken
1 tbsp 1 olive oil
1 tsp 1 chili powder
1 tsp 1 smoked paprika
1 tsp 1 cumin
1/2 tsp 1/2 garlic powder
1/4 tsp 1/4 salt
1/4 tsp 1/4 black pepper
1/4 cup 1/4 water
- For the salad:
4 cups 4 chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup 1 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 1 avocado, diced
1/2 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup 1/2 black beans (optional)
1/2 cup 1/2 corn kernels (optional)
1/4 cup 1/4 shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack (optional)
- For the dressing:
2 tbsp 2 olive oil
2 tbsp 2 lime juice
1 tsp 1 honey or maple syrup
1/2 tsp 1/2 cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken and break it up with a spatula.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes, until no longer pink.
- Add spices and water, stir well, and simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, onion, corn, and beans.
- Whisk together dressing ingredients and drizzle over the salad.
- Top with seasoned chicken and avocado. Add cheese if using.
- Serve immediately or pack into containers for meal prep.
Notes
- Feel free to swap out toppings or dressing. This is a flexible, mix-and-match kind of salad.
Nutrition Facts
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
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Pro Tips for the Best Taco Salad Every Time
- Use a mix of spices for depth of flavor, homemade taco seasoning is best
- Don’t overcook the chicken it can dry out quickly
- Toss the salad just before serving to keep the veggies fresh
- Drizzle the dressing last to control the texture
- Add avocado or guacamole for creaminess without extra dressing
- Sprinkle a little cheese or nutritional yeast for extra flavor if desired
Ground Chicken Taco Salad Recipe Variations
Spicy Ground Chicken Taco Salad Recipe
To add more heat, increase the cayenne or add jalapeños to your salad. You can also stir hot sauce or chipotle sauce into the cooked chicken. I like to pair this version with cooling toppings like Greek yogurt and avocado.
Low-Carb Ground Chicken Taco Salad Recipe
Skip the beans and corn, and go lighter on the dressing. Load up on romaine, grilled peppers, and avocado. You can even add cauliflower rice or a boiled egg for extra protein while keeping carbs low.
Southwest Ground Chicken Taco Salad Recipe
Add black beans, grilled corn, red onion, and a smoky chipotle lime dressing. Swap romaine for a mix of iceberg and spinach, and top with crushed tortilla chips for that classic Tex-Mex feel.
Vegan Taco Salad (Ground Chicken Alternative)
If you want a plant-based twist, replace the ground chicken with spiced lentils or soy crumbles. The rest of the recipe stays the same, just use a dairy-free dressing or a simple lime vinaigrette.
FAQs & Troubleshooting
Yes, ground turkey works just as well and offers a similar lean protein content.
Romaine is crisp and holds up well, but iceberg or mixed greens also work.
Absolutely. Skip the cheese and use a dairy-free dressing like lime vinaigrette.
Yes, just ensure all ingredients (especially spices) are certified gluten-free.
Your New Favorite Taco Salad Night
This ground chicken taco salad recipe has quickly become one of my top go-to meals, not just for dinner, but for make-ahead lunches too. It’s got everything I love: flavor, crunch, creaminess, and protein, all in one bowl. Plus, it’s fast, fresh, and flexible enough for any dietary need or picky eater.
Whether you’re craving something light but satisfying or looking to mix up your taco night routine, this salad checks all the boxes. It’s also great for sharing, just lay out the ingredients and let everyone build their own bowl.
If you give this recipe a try, let me know in the comments or tag me in your taco salad pics! And if you’re looking for more easy Tex-Mex ideas, check out my Taco Bowl recipe or Corn Salad recipe, both are perfect pairings for this dish.
Happy cooking and crunching!
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