Chipotle Chicken Salad: A Bold and Flavorful Meal
The Chipotle Chicken Salad isn’t just a meal—it’s an explosion of flavors and textures. From the smoky heat of the chipotle chicken to the creamy dressing and crunchy toppings, this salad is anything but ordinary. It’s a versatile dish that works equally well as a quick meal prep option or a show-stopping centerpiece for your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love Chipotle Chicken Salad
🌶️ Smoky and Spicy Flavors
Chipotle seasoning gives the chicken a smoky, slightly spicy kick that takes this salad to the next level.
🥗 Fresh and Vibrant
With crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and roasted corn, every bite bursts with freshness.
🍗 Protein-Packed and Satisfying
Grilled chicken and black beans make this salad hearty and filling, perfect as a standalone meal.
🕒 Quick and Easy
With simple ingredients and easy prep, this salad can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
Ingredients for Chipotle Chicken Salad
For the Salad:
- 2 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens, chopped 🥬
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded 🍗
- 1/2 cup roasted corn (fresh or canned) 🌽
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced 🫑
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced 🥑
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) 🧀
- 1/4 cup crispy tortilla strips (optional)
For the Chipotle Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice 🍋
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder or adobo sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
- Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂
Instructions for Chipotle Chicken Salad

1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken
If not pre-cooked, season the chicken breast with chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-sear until fully cooked. Slice or shred the chicken once it’s slightly cooled.
2️⃣ Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, chipotle chili powder or adobo sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust the spice level to your preference.
3️⃣ Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, add the romaine lettuce or mixed greens as the base. Layer the roasted corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, avocado slices, and shredded cheese on top. Place the sliced or shredded chipotle chicken over the salad.
4️⃣ Add the Dressing
Drizzle the creamy chipotle dressing over the salad. Alternatively, serve the dressing on the side for individual portions.
5️⃣ Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the salad with crispy tortilla strips for added crunch. Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the bold, zesty flavors! 🥗
Tips for the Best Chipotle Chicken Salad
🌟 Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken will make all the difference in the flavor and texture of your salad.
🌶️ Control the Heat
Adjust the spice level of the dressing and chicken seasoning to suit your taste. Add more chipotle for extra heat or reduce it for a milder flavor.
🍋 Don’t Skip the Dressing
The creamy chipotle dressing ties the salad together, so don’t skimp on it! For a lighter option, use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
🥑 Keep the Avocado Fresh
Slice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning. A squeeze of lime juice can also help keep it fresh.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with grilled tofu, roasted sweet potatoes, or extra black beans.
- Make It a Wrap: Use the salad as a filling for whole-grain tortillas to create delicious chipotle chicken wraps.
- Add More Crunch: Toss in some chopped radishes or sliced cucumbers for an extra layer of texture.

Chipotle Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 2 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens chopped 🥬
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast sliced or shredded (seasoned with chipotle chili powder) 🍗
- 1/2 cup roasted corn fresh or canned 🌽
- 1/2 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved 🍅
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper diced 🫑
- 1 ripe avocado sliced 🥑
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Monterey Jack 🧀
- 1/4 cup crispy tortilla strips optional
- For the Chipotle Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice 🍋
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder or adobo sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
- Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breast with chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-sear until fully cooked. Once slightly cooled, slice or shred the chicken.
- 2️⃣ Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, chipotle chili powder or adobo sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- 3️⃣ Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, add the romaine lettuce or mixed greens as the base. Layer the roasted corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, avocado slices, and shredded cheese on top. Arrange the chipotle-seasoned chicken over the salad.
- 4️⃣ Add the Dressing:
- Drizzle the creamy chipotle dressing over the salad or serve it on the side for individual portions.
- 5️⃣ Garnish and Serve:
- Top the salad with crispy tortilla strips for added crunch. Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!