Have you ever craved a meal that’s both hearty and packed with fresh veggies, yet simple enough to whip up on a busy day? Imagine a vibrant salad bursting with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a hint of spice from pickled jalapeños. Sounds delicious, right?

Welcome to your new favorite dish: Mexican Chicken Salad Recipe! Whether you’re prepping lunch for the week or looking for a standout side for your next BBQ, this recipe for Mexican chicken salad is sure to impress.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Chicken Salad

Growing up, Mexican chicken salad was a staple at every family gathering—quinceañeras, weddings, and festive parties alike. What made it so special? It was the perfect blend of flavors and textures that brought everyone to the table.

This chicken salad Mexican recipe captures that nostalgic taste while being incredibly easy to make. Plus, it’s loaded with veggies that even the pickiest eaters will love!

Mexican Chicken Salad Recipe

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6

Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Shredding tool or hand mixer

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts
2 small potatoes peeled and cubed
2 cups mixed vegetables frozen or canned
Pickled jalapeños minced
1 tablespoon jalapeño pickle juice optional
1/4 cup mayonnaise see note
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

Extra mayo for creaminess
Additional pickled jalapeño juice for an extra kick

Instructions

Cook the Chicken
Start by cooking your chicken breasts using your preferred method. Boiling them in salted water until they’re fully cooked is a quick and easy option. Once done, let them cool before shredding.
Prepare the Potatoes
While the chicken is cooking, peel and cube your potatoes. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until they’re tender but not mushy. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Mix the Veggies
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed vegetables, minced pickled jalapeños, and mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra tangy flavor, add a tablespoon of jalapeño pickle juice.
Combine Everything
Add the cooled potatoes and shredded chicken to the vegetable mixture. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the mayo coats all the ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning or mayo as needed.
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together. Serve chilled with saltine crackers or atop crispy tostadas for an added crunch.

Notes

Creaminess: Add additional mayo, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve the desired texture.
Whole30 Option: Omit the corn and use compliant mayo for a Whole30-friendly version.
Serving Options: Best served chilled with saltine crackers or on tostadas with a drizzle of hot sauce like Salsa Valentina.
Storage: Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to enhance flavors. Can be stored for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Keyword Chicken Salad, easy lunch, Ensalada de Pollo, Healthy Appetizer, Mexican Recipe, Party Dish, Whole30 Recipe

Tips for the Perfect Mexican Chicken Salad

Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or omit vegetables based on your preference. Bell peppers, corn, and black beans make great additions!
Whole30 Friendly: Skip the mayo or use a Whole30-approved alternative for a healthier twist.
Make Ahead: This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro can elevate the flavors even more.

Serving Suggestions

With Saltine Crackers: The classic pairing that balances the creaminess of the salad.
On Tostadas: Top crispy tostadas with the salad and drizzle with salsa Valentina for an extra kick.
As a Taco Salad: Layer the chicken salad over a bed of lettuce, add some cheese, and enjoy a hearty taco-inspired meal.

Tips & Variations

Custom Veggies: Swap out or add vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or peas based on preference.
Spicy Kick: Add more pickled jalapeños or a splash of pickle juice for extra heat.
Alternate Proteins: Substitute shredded turkey or rotisserie chicken for a variation.
Quick Shredding: Use a hand mixer to shred cooked chicken breasts easily.
Presentation: Garnish with fresh cilantro or a slice of lime for a vibrant finish.

Conclusion: Let’s Get Cooking!

This Mexican Chicken Salad Recipe delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. Simple to make and packed with fresh ingredients, it’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a party appetizer. Whip up a batch today and enjoy a taste of Mexico at your table!

Looking for More Easy Mexican-inspired Recipes?

Here are some must-try recipes that bring authentic Mexican vibes to your kitchen:

Give these recipes a try and bring the vibrant taste of Mexico to your table!

Tried This Recipe?

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Mexican Chicken Salad Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Chicken Salad