Quesadilla Explosion Salad from Chili's features grilled chicken, fresh greens, black beans, corn, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and crispy tortilla strips, all tossed in a tangy southwestern dressing for a vibrant blend of smoky, crunchy, and zesty flavors.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Salad spinner (optional)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cheese grater (if shredding cheese)
- Tongs
- Large serving platter or salad bowl
- Small bowl (for dressing)
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 6 cups fresh mixed salad greens
- 1 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup canned corn (drained)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 small flour tortillas
- Cooking spray
- 1 cup crispy tortilla strips
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Ensure the chicken breasts are boneless and skinless for even grilling and easy slicing. Use canned black beans and corn that are rinsed and drained to avoid excess moisture, which can make the salad soggy. Fresh mixed greens like romaine, spinach, or spring mix provide a crisp base, while grape tomatoes add sweetness and juiciness. Shredded cheddar cheese offers a sharp, creamy contrast, and crispy tortilla strips add essential crunch for texture balance. Your homemade Quesadilla Explosion Salad from Chili's copycat menu will deliver the same smoky, zesty flavors with a satisfying combination of fresh ingredients and bold seasoning.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Brush chicken breasts with olive oil.
- Season chicken with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- Rest chicken for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Spray flour tortillas lightly with cooking spray.
- Grill tortillas 1–2 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
- Remove tortillas; cut into wedges for quesadillas.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, and lime juice.
- In a large bowl, combine salad greens, black beans, corn, grape tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Toss salad mixture with southwestern dressing until evenly coated.
- Arrange tossed salad on a serving platter or bowl.
- Top salad with sliced grilled chicken.
- Garnish with crispy tortilla strips and chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve with grilled quesadilla wedges on the side.
Substitution
Quesadilla Explosion Salad from Chili's copycat menu combines grilled chicken seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and paprika, fresh mixed greens, black beans, corn, grape tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and crispy tortilla strips, all dressed with a southwestern ranch-barbecue dressing. If fresh mixed greens are unavailable, you can substitute with romaine or iceberg lettuce for a similar crunch and freshness. When shredded cheddar cheese is not on hand, a Mexican cheese blend or Monterey Jack provides a nice flavor alternative. Flour tortillas used for crispy strips can be swapped with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, simply crisped up in a skillet with cooking spray. Your backyard grill or stovetop grill pan works perfectly to achieve tender, smoky chicken to elevate the salad's signature taste.
Tips
Ensure chicken breasts are evenly pounded for uniform grilling, which helps avoid undercooked or overcooked spots. Rinse and drain canned black beans and corn thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from diluting the salad's flavors. When grilling tortillas, watch them closely to avoid burning; they should be crispy but not charred. Toss Your salad gently after adding the dressing to keep fresh greens vibrant while evenly distributing zesty southwestern flavors.
Nutritions
Quesadilla Explosion Salad from Chili's provides a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins from grilled chicken, black beans, fresh greens, and vegetables like corn and tomatoes. The combination of cheddar cheese and tortilla strips adds calcium and carbohydrates, offering energy and supporting bone health. Your salad includes healthy fats from olive oil and a southwestern dressing that enhances flavor without excessive calories. This nutrient-rich meal supports muscle repair, digestion, and immune function with its varied ingredients.
Storage
Store leftover Quesadilla Explosion Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to 2 days. Keep the crispy tortilla strips and grilled quesadilla wedges separate in zip-top bags or containers at room temperature to preserve their crunch. Your grilled chicken and salad dressing should be refrigerated in sealed containers and combined just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute grilled chicken with crispy fried or shredded rotisserie chicken to add different textures and flavors. Use pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese instead of cheddar for a creamier, spicier bite that complements the southwestern profile. Swap canned corn and black beans for fresh roasted corn and charred black beans to enhance the smoky taste. For a healthier dressing twist, try blending Greek yogurt with lime juice, chipotle powder, and a touch of honey to replace ranch and barbecue sauce while maintaining tanginess.
Allergies
Quesadilla Explosion Salad contains common allergens such as dairy from shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing, as well as gluten from flour tortillas and crispy tortilla strips. Black beans and corn may cause sensitivities in individuals with legume or corn allergies. Your best option is to check ingredient labels carefully and notify the restaurant of any specific allergies before ordering.
Why this recipe?
Quesadilla Explosion Salad from Chili's restaurant is popular for its perfect blend of crispy taco strips, fresh lettuce, seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and creamy avocado ranch dressing. The combination of bold flavors and satisfying textures creates a unique dining experience that appeals to a wide variety of taste preferences. This dish offers a delicious balance of savory, crunchy, and creamy components that you can easily replicate at home for a fresh and customizable meal. Your ability to control ingredients and personalize seasonings makes the copycat recipe worth trying for any food enthusiast.