Quick Tajin Chicken Jalapeno Corn Caesar Salad Recipe That Sizzles

A zesty tajin chicken jalapeno corn caesar salad brings unexpected layers of bold flavor to your dinner table.

Southwestern spices dance across crisp greens, creating a vibrant meal that surprises and delights.

Creamy caesar dressing mingles with tangy citrus notes from tajin seasoning.

Jalapeños add a gentle kick that warms without overwhelming delicate chicken pieces.

Crunchy corn kernels provide delightful texture against silky salad components.

Salt and acid balance each other in this masterful combination of ingredients.

Every bite promises a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.

FAQs

• What is Tajin, and why is it used in this recipe?

Tajin is a Mexican seasoning blend made of dried chili peppers, lime, and salt. It adds a tangy, spicy kick to the chicken, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the salad.

• Can I substitute the jalapeños if I don't like spicy food?

Yes, you can use roasted green chiles or bell peppers for a milder flavor. This will maintain the smoky taste without the intense heat.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas.

Tajin Chicken Jalapeno Corn Caesar Salad Highlights

• Spice Up Your Meal: Tajin adds a zesty, tangy kick that transforms an ordinary chicken salad into a flavor explosion.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Grill everything from chicken to bread in just a few minutes, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to match your personal taste, creating a versatile dish that adapts to your preferences.
• Fresh and Vibrant Flavors: Combine crisp romaine, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado for a salad bursting with colorful, fresh ingredients that look as good as they taste.

Ingredients for Tajin Chicken Jalapeno Corn Caesar Salad

• Chicken: Protein that adds a spicy and sweet flavor profile to the salad.
• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and fresh base for the salad.
• Corn: Sweet and juicy element that provides texture.

• Jalapeños, Mayonnaise, Garlic, Lime Juice, Salt: Creamy and spicy dressing that enhances the overall flavor of the salad.

• Ciabatta, Tomatoes, Avocado, Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Herbs, Lime Zest: Crunchy, creamy, and fresh components that add complexity and depth to the salad.

• Tajin, Honey, Olive Oil, Salt: Flavorful and moisture-enhancing ingredients that help marinate the chicken and create a cohesive dish.

Preparation Steps for Tajin Chicken Corn Caesar Salad

Step 1: Roast Jalapeños

Carefully roast jalapeños over an open flame until they develop a charred exterior.

Transfer to a covered bowl and let steam for 5 minutes.

Chop the roasted peppers finely.

Step 2: Blend Creamy Dressing

Combine all dressing ingredients except jalapeños in a blender or food processor.

Blend until smooth and silky.

Fold in the chopped jalapeños.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt.

Step 3: Prepare Crispy Croutons

Heat grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium-high.

Toss ciabatta and garlic with olive oil.

Grill bread until golden with distinct grill marks, approximately 5 minutes.

Transfer to a plate and season with salt.

Step 4: Grill Tajin-Spiced Chicken

Mix chicken with olive oil, Tajin, honey, and salt in a bowl.

Grill chicken until fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.

Finish with fresh lime zest and juice.

Slice chicken thinly.

Step 5: Assemble Vibrant Salad

• Romaine lettuce
• Cherry tomatoes
• Corn kernels
• Avocado
• Cheese
• Fresh herbs
• Grilled chicken
• Homemade croutons

Drizzle with jalapeño dressing.

Toss gently to blend flavors.

Serve immediately for maximum freshness.

Pro Tips for Tajin Chicken Salad

• Hold peppers directly over flame, turning frequently to achieve even blackening without burning completely.
• Use day-old ciabatta for extra crispy texture and prevent soggy bread when tossing salad.
• Let chicken rest 3-5 minutes after grilling to retain juices and prevent dryness.
• Sprinkle sparingly to complement chicken flavor without overpowering other ingredients.
• Dress just before serving to maintain crisp lettuce and prevent wilting from early mixing.

Variations for Tajin Chicken Corn Caesar Salad

• Vegan Caesar Salad: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, swap dairy cheese for nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan, use plant-based mayo in dressing.
• Seafood Variation: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or seared salmon, keeping Tajin seasoning for a zesty seafood twist.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip ciabatta croutons, replace with roasted sunflower seeds or almond slivers for crunch, use lettuce cups instead of traditional salad base.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free bread for croutons, confirm Tajin seasoning is gluten-free, replace traditional croutons with quinoa crisps or gluten-free crackers.

Serving Suggestions for Tajin Chicken Jalapeno Corn Salad

• Festive Fiesta Plate: Arrange the salad on a vibrant, colorful platter to showcase the beautiful mix of ingredients and make the meal feel like a celebration.
• Fresh Garnish Flair: Sprinkle extra chopped herbs, a dash of Tajin, or a few thin jalapeño slices on top for added color and a burst of fresh flavor.
• Summer BBQ Companion: Pair this salad with grilled summer vegetables, cold beer, or a crisp white wine to complete the perfect outdoor dining experience.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining salad into a delicious wrap or stuff into a warm pita pocket for a quick next-day lunch option.

Storage Advice for Tajin Chicken Salad

• Store salad components separately in airtight containers. Keep dressing, chicken, and greens in different sealed containers to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
• Keep croutons and dressing separate until serving to maintain crispness. Add these just before eating to preserve texture and prevent wilting.
• Warm sliced chicken gently in microwave using 30-second intervals, drizzling a little olive oil to prevent drying. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes.
• Enjoy leftovers within 24-48 hours for optimal taste and quality. Discard if salad appears soggy, discolored, or develops an off smell.

Tajin Chicken Jalapeno Corn Caesar Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Tajin chicken dances atop a zesty jalapeño corn caesar salad, creating a Mexican-inspired culinary masterpiece. Crisp textures and bold flavors merge, promising you a thrilling taste adventure that celebrates fresh ingredients and vibrant Mexican cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup cubed spicy cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan

Vegetables and Fruits:

• 6 cups shredded romaine lettuce
• 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup grilled corn kernels
• 1 avocado (cubed)
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions basil and or cilantro
• 1–2 jalapeños
• lime zest and juice from 1-2 limes
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1–2 cloves garlic (grated)

Seasoning and Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons Tajin
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Char jalapeños directly over an open flame until blackened, then place in a covered bowl to steam for 5 minutes. Finely chop the roasted peppers.
2. Blend all dressing components except jalapeños until silky smooth in a blender. Fold in chopped jalapeños and adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat for even cooking.
4. Drizzle ciabatta and garlic with olive oil, then grill until golden with distinct grill marks, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and season with salt to create crispy croutons.
5. Coat chicken with olive oil, Tajin, honey, and salt. Grill for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F. Finish with fresh lime zest and juice, then slice thinly against the grain.
6. Assemble salad by combining romaine, tomatoes, corn, avocado, cheese, fresh herbs, grilled chicken, homemade croutons, and jalapeño caesar dressing. Toss thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly and serve immediately for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Roast jalapeños carefully to develop a deep, smoky flavor without burning them completely.
• Adjust the heat level by removing seeds and membranes from jalapeños for a milder dressing.
• Marinate chicken in Tajin mixture for 30 minutes before grilling to enhance flavor penetration and tenderness.
• Grill bread and chicken simultaneously to save time and create a more efficient cooking process.
• Use fresh, in-season corn for the best texture and sweetness in the salad.
• Make extra dressing and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days as a versatile condiment.
• Substitute ciabatta with gluten-free bread for a celiac-friendly version of the dish.
• Swap chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian alternative that maintains similar flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 493 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 491 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 88 mg