Crunchy Tortilla Blackened Chicken Bowl with Ranch Dressing

Crunchy Tortilla Blackened Chicken Bowl with Ranch Dressing

Crunchy Tortilla Blackened Chicken Bowl with Ranch Dressing

Crunchy Tortilla Blackened Chicken Bowl with Ranch Dressing

April 16, 2026 by Kimberly

Since you unfortunately can’t eat fried chicken every single day, here is my favorite everyday alternative: a chicken salad with flavorful, completely fat-free cooked chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, fresh vegetables, creamy ranch dressing, and crunchy tortilla pieces. Quick to make, perfect for meal prep, and anything but boring, this salad is exactly what you need if you are looking for an easy chicken salad recipe that is packed with flavor.

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TOTAL TIME

30 min

SERVES

2 people

DIET

omnivore

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

I’m probably the biggest fan of crispy chicken in every form. Preferably with a really thick, crunchy, fried coating. But in everyday life, it unfortunately can’t be fried chicken every single day, so I had to come up with a version that uses no extra fat at all and still tastes just as good. It may not have that crispy coating, but it makes up for it with the most flavorful, delicious spice coating you could imagine.

And this recipe gets a huge bonus point from me because it fits so effortlessly into everyday life in our home. I make this chicken almost every week anyway and often keep it sliced in the fridge, because we also love using it as homemade deli-style chicken for sandwiches like this Apple Cucumber Brie Turkey Sandwich. That means this salad usually comes together in no time, and that is exactly what I love most about it.

And then you have everything that makes a really good salad: crisp romaine lettuce, fresh vegetables, sweet corn, thinly sliced onion, a creamy dressing, and those golden pan-fried tortilla pieces. Add the flavorful chicken, a little lime juice, and a few flakes of salt, and suddenly it is not just a salad anymore, but a really good example of how delicious a quick meal can be even without fried chicken.

So if you are looking for a salad that is easy, full of flavor, and perfect for prepping ahead, this is one of those recipes you will probably end up making just as often as I do.

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Crunchy Tortilla Blackened Chicken Bowl with Ranch Dressing
Crunchy Tortilla Blackened Chicken Bowl with Ranch Dressing
Crunchy Tortilla Blackened Chicken Bowl with Ranch Dressing
Crunchy Tortilla Blackened Chicken Bowl with Ranch Dressing

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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Crunchy Tortilla Blackened Chicken Bowl with Ranch Dressing

Crunchy Tortilla Blackened Chicken Bowl with Ranch Dressing


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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 30 min
  • Yield: 2

Description

Since you unfortunately can’t eat fried chicken every single day, here is my favorite everyday alternative: a chicken salad with flavorful, completely fat-free cooked chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, fresh vegetables, creamy ranch dressing, and crunchy tortilla pieces. Quick to make, perfect for meal prep, and anything but boring, this salad is exactly what you need if you are looking for an easy chicken salad recipe that is packed with flavor.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

  • plate for marinating the chicken
  • oven
  • sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • large salad bowl
  • small bowl for the dressing
  • small pan for the tortilla pieces

Ingredients

Units Scale
BLACKENED CHICKEN
  • 400 grams chicken breast filet
  • 2 1/4 tsp paprika powder
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 tsp oregano, dried
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
RANCH DRESSING
  • 100 grams full-fat yogurt
  • splash of milk
  • 3 tsp chives, dried
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp parsley, dried
  • 1/2 tsp dill, dried
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp salt
SALAD
  • romaine salad
  • 1 small cucumber
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 120 grams corn
  • 1 small red onion
  • 2 tortilla wraps
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 lime

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C / 345°F.
  2. On a plate, mix together all the spices for the blackened chicken until well combined: salt, oregano, garam masala, garlic, cayenne pepper, curry powder, black pepper, and paprika.
  3. Coat the chicken breast all over in the spice mixture so it is evenly covered. Place it on a baking tray and bake for 45 minutes.
  4. Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool completely. Then slice it into thin strips. You can also make it a day ahead and keep it in the fridge overnight.
  5. While the chicken is in the oven, make the dressing. Mix the yogurt with onion powder, dried parsley, dried chives, dried dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside until ready to use.
  6. Chop the romaine lettuce and wash it well. Slice the cucumber, cut the bell pepper into small pieces, and slice the onion into thin strips. Drain the corn well.
  7. Cut the tortilla wraps into small squares and toss them with a little olive oil, smoked paprika powder, and garlic powder. Fry them in a pan until golden and crispy.
  8. Add the romaine lettuce, cucumber, bell pepper, corn, and onion to a large salad bowl. Pour over the ranch dressing and toss everything together well. Add the crispy tortilla chips and gently mix again.
  9. Slice the cooled chicken breast into thin strips and spread it over the salad. Finish with flaky salt and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
  • Cook Time: 30 min

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Green Herb Salad with Peas & Pickled Onions

Green Herb Salad with Peas & Pickled Onions

Green Herb Salad with Peas & Pickled Onions

Green Herb Salad with Peas & Pickled Onions

July 1, 2024 by Kimberly

Freshen up your meal with a vibrant green herb salad! Crunchy, zesty, and bursting with flavor, it’s a refreshing twist that’ll make your tastebuds dance.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

20 min

SERVES

4 portions

DIET

vegetarian

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Elevate your salad game with this green herb salad, a lush blend of romaine and butter lettuce mixed with sweet peas and tangy pickled onions, all dressed in a light, herb-infused yogurt dressing. It’s a garden-fresh delight that captures the essence of spring in every bite.

This salad shines brightest when served fresh. Toss the crisp lettuces with the peas and pickled onions just before serving and sprinkle generously with dill, chives, and tarragon for that extra burst of freshness. It’s perfect alongside a grilled fish or as a standalone dish that’s both fulfilling and light.

Best enjoyed immediately, however, if you have leftovers, keep them separate in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad stays fresh for about two days, but it’s ideal to add the dressing just before serving to maintain crispness.

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Green Herb Salad with Peas & Pickled Onions
Green Herb Salad with Peas & Pickled Onions

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

Print
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Green Herb Salad with Peas & Pickled Onions

Green Herb Salad with Peas & Pickled Onions


  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4

Description

GOOD TO HAVE ON HAND

  • sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • large salad bowl
  • medium-sized bowl
  • small bowl
  • measuring spoons

 


Ingredients

Units Scale
SALAD
  • 1 butter lettuce
  • 1 romaine lettuce
  • 100 grams frozen peas
  • 1 red onion
  • 1.5 tbsp fresh dill
  • 1.5 tbsp fresh chives
  • 1.5 tbsp fresh tarragon
DRESSING
  • 150 grams yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut romaine and butter lettuce into bite-sized pieces, wash thoroughly, and spin dry. Place in a large salad bowl.
  2. Also wash chives, dill, and tarragon, dry, and finely chop. Add to the salad in the bowl.
  3. Fill a small bowl with frozen peas and pour hot water over them to cover and then set aside.
  4. In the meantime, in a separate bowl, prepare the dressing. Mix yogurt, lemon juice, peeled and pressed garlic cloves, and Dijon mustard together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Drain the peas in a sieve and rinse with cold water. Let them drain and then add them to the salad bowl. Peel the red onion and slice it into very fine strips.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and top with the sliced red onions. Enjoy the salad immediately.

Notes

The calorie information may vary depending on the product used, country and region.

  • Cook Time: 20 min

CRAVING MORE?

Follow along here & don’t forget to subscribe to my substack!