Easy Ensalada de Pollo

Ensalada de pollo is a colorful and delicious Mexican-style chicken salad accompanied by an array of veggies and a harmonious lime dressing. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a main course, outdoor adventure, or meal prep. The addition of potatoes and carrots offers a delightful Mexican twist, while the use of rotisserie chicken makes preparation a breeze. 

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Ensalada de pollo: a flavorful and festive chicken salad that’s sure to delight your taste buds and become your new go-to dish for any occasion! 

With Ensalada de Pollo, you’ll not only learn a new Spanish word but also discover the rich flavors and traditions of Mexican cuisine. Plus, the best part? It’s a fun and fancy version of chicken salad that’s sure to impress! 

Why we love this salad! 

Nelson and I love enjoying tostadas or sandwiches packed with Ensalada de Pollo after a bike workout. While spending refreshing and relaxing time outdoors with loved ones is wonderful, it is even better if accompanied by delicious, effortless recipes. 

This Mexican-style chicken salad is also a beach classic meal prep recipe – we never leave for the beach without it, especially on days when we want a light, satisfying meal that allows us to enjoy the ocean to the fullest. Plus, as Mexicans, we know that a great salad is a must-have for any gathering, whether it’s a carne asada event, potluck, or party. Meal-prep recipes like this Ensalada de Pollo make all the difference between fun and convenience, even when the umbrella is giving up to the gusty wind.

We love showing off our cooking skills with this dish, along with other favorites like Mexican chopped salad, potato salad, bean salad, and pasta salad. 

Mayonnaise – Binds, adds creaminess, flavor, and moisture, all essential qualities for the BEST Chicken Salad.

Mexican crema – Complements mayonnaise with its mild sweetness, creaminess and authenticity to Mexican flavors.

Dijon mustard – Adds tanginess and a fresh spicy kick. 

Lime zest and juice – Adds brightness, acidity, opens up flavors, and is aromatic, with a less sweet taste than lemons. 

Salt – Enhances flavor and texture of food. 

Black pepper – Adds depth of flavor and enhances aroma. 

Cotija cheese – Made from cow’s milk, with a salty flavor and crumbly in texture, originating from Cotija, Michoacán, Mexico.  

How to make chicken salad from scratch

Step one: Cook the carrots in simmering salted water for 3 minutes, then add the potatoes and cook both until tender but not mushy, 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool down.

Step two: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, potatoes, carrots, peas, corn, onion, cabbage, and cilantro. 

Step three: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients (mayo, cream, mustard, zest, lime juice, salt and pepper) until well combined. Then, add crumbled cheese and dressing to the large bowl and toss to coat. Season with additional salt if needed. 

Step four: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. 

Step five: Serve the chicken salad on a tostada, accompanied by pickled jalapeños, and topped with your favorite hot sauce. Alternatively, serve as a sandwich on white bread or croissant.

Chicken salad substitutions 

• Potatoes – Gold potatoes are my top choice, but russet and red potatoes are close seconds. Russet potatoes offer similar flavors, while red potatoes add a stunning red color, making them another great option. 

• Veggies – Experiment with different veggies like celery, bell peppers, cucumber, tomatoes, and avocados to add texture and color.

• Red onion – White onion is a great substitute, and more authentic to Mexican cuisine than yellow onion.

• Cabbage – Either iceberg or romaine lettuce can be used as alternatives.

• Mexican crema – Sour cream can be used, but it’s tangier, so reduce the amount of lime juice used. 

• Dijon mustard – Yellow mustard is a suitable substitute.

• Cotija cheese – If unavailable, use either Queso Fresco or feta/parmesan cheese (reduce lime juice if using feta).

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Recipe Video Tutorial

Below is my easy to follow video tutorial on how to make this Ensalada de Pollo. It will give you an additional in-depth knowledge and the visuals of the step-by-step process to enhance your understanding on this wonderful meal-prep recipe. Plus, the exciting ingredients will inspire you to make this delicious chicken salad ! You will also find the video down in the recipe card.

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Make-ahead, Meal-prep 

Busy days just got brighter with this make-ahead Ensalada! Meal-prep is so essential and also a time saver, allowing you to focus on what’s important to you. Store it in the fridge and enjoy a flavorful, light meal whenever you’re ready. Plus, making it ahead allows the flavors to mingle and intensify, making the salad even more delicious. 

Food safety – Storage TIPS!

When it comes to storing your delicious chicken salad, food safety should be a top priority! Transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container, then store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days depending on how fresh the cooked chicken is. According to the USDA, cooked chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. 

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Explore more recipes: 

• Pork loin tostadas 
• Chile relleno casserole 
• Enchiladas
• Sheet pan fajitas 
• Beef taquitos dorados 
• Bistec Ranchero 

Share the deliciousness of this Ensalada de Pollo with friends and family, while making memories on special occasions, where flavor and harmony come together. This recipe has both simplicity and taste, allowing you to customize it to your liking with your favorite ingredients. It offers both classic Mexican flavors, and visually appealing presentation, this dish is sure to impress! For me, this recipe is a winner when it comes to flavor – a perfect combination of traditional Mexican flavors with a fancy twist!