Tequila Lime Chicken Salad with Creamy Southwestern Dressing
- July 2022
- By Michelle Ezratty Murphy
- Recipe from Everywhere Latino
-
- (2)
This tequila lime chicken salad with its to-die-for Southwestern dressing was specially created for Familia Kitchen’s Your Favorite Salad Recipe Contest. This delicioso entry is from Michelle Ezratty Murphy, who loves nothing more than to get into her kitchen and experiment with Latino flavors. One of her specialties is making her husband’s Boricua family recipes. She and Pat met in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she grew up. They married, had two kids, and now live in Arizona. Michelle brings aspects of these two Latino cooking influences to this delicioso salad—so light and fresh, just what we crave every spring and summer.
”I’m inspired by most Latin dishes on restaurant menus and am always looking for salad ideas that are not only healthy, but that taste good—with lots of protein,” says Michelle. ”At home, I replicate my favorite salads with marinated grilled chicken, which can satisfy those cravings.”
What inspired her to add tequila to this recipe? ”Tequila gives a nice flavor to the chicken, especially when paired with lime. Plus, the lime’s acid tenderizes the chicken, giving it a nice citrusy kick,” Michelle tells Familia Kitchen.
We know Michelle loves her salads because lots of us made and devoured this carne asada salad she sent in a few months ago. It’s become a Familia Kitchen community favorite. “I tend to make big salads during the spring and summer when veggies are at their most flavorful. The tequila lime chicken tastes so good in the warmer months because of its fresh, bright taste and how it plays off of the cool, creamy southwestern dressing.”
Our last recipe pregunta for Michelle: What is the secret to a great Latino salad? She doesn’t have to think twice: chiles, spices and citrus, she says. ”Latino food is about the layers of distinct flavors that come from chipotle, cumin, cilantro, oregano, lemons and limes. And you can never go wrong also adding peppers and garlic, of course!”
For more authentic Familia Kitchen rdishes from Michelle, check out her double-fried-plantain tostones with garlicky mojo sauce; pastelón, the Puerto Rican lasagna; her step-by-step guide to baking melty quesitos, and her contest-winning eat-every-last-bit-of-pegao arroz con pollo family recipe.
Ready to Make This Tequila Lime Chicken Salad?
MoreLike This
Got a question or suggestion?
Please rate this recipe and leave any tips, substitutions, or Qs you have!