Best Chicken Tenders Salad Recipe [easy, vegan]

This easy Chicken Tenders Salad Recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors with crispy, plant-based chicken tenders that are mouthwateringly delicious. Elevate your salad game with this crispy chicken salad for a light dinner with great flavors.

What makes Chicken Tenders Salad popular?

Chicken Tenders Salad has become one of the most popular recipes or several reasons. Firstly, it appeals to our love for comfort food. Incorporating crispy, breaded “chicken” tenders into a salad provides a way to enjoy familiar flavors. The combination of these chicken tenders with fresh vegetables and greens strikes a satisfying balance between indulgence and nutrition.

Secondly, Chicken Tenders Salad is a highly versatile dish. It allows for a wide range of creative variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether it’s buffalo cauliflower, tofu, mushrooms, or jackfruit, the adaptability of the dish makes it appealing to both vegans and those looking to reduce their meat consumption. This versatility makes it an excellent option for people with diverse dietary needs.

Lastly, Chicken Tenders Salad offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The crispy and savory chicken tenders complement the crispness of fresh vegetables and the creaminess of dressings. This interplay of textures and flavors enhances the overall eating experience. 

Overall, Chicken Tenders Salad’s popularity lies in its ability to offer a familiar and comforting taste. It’s a go-to option for a diverse range of individuals, whether they’re vegans, vegetarians, or omnivores. With its comfort food appeal, versatility, and nutritious ingredients, Chicken Tenders Salad is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying meal.

What ingredients do I need to make Chicken Tenders Salad

To make a delicious Chicken Tenders Salad, you will need the following fresh and simple ingredients:

• crisp and fresh lettuce leaves, washed and dried
• drained black beans, rich in protein and fiber
• sweet and juicy corn, drained and ready to use
• crunchy and flavorful tortilla chips, crushed to add texture and taste
• extra-virgin olive oil, for a smooth and fruity dressing
• tangy and aromatic apple cider vinegar, to balance the flavors
• spicy and zesty Dijon mustard, to add depth and complexity
• sweet and earthy brown sugar, to enhance the taste
• Salt and black pepper to taste, for a savory and well-seasoned dish.

How to make Chicken Tenders Salad

Start preparing Chicken Tender Salad by making the dressing. In a bowl, combine a mixture of olive oil, mustard, vinegar, and brown sugar, and whisk them together until they are well combined. This will be the perfect complement to your salad!

Next, prepare the salad by mixing lettuce, black beans, and corn in a large bowl.

You can use any type of lettuce you prefer, but I suggest using romaine lettuce or mixed greens for a flavorful base. The black beans and corn will add a nice, crunchy texture to the salad.

Now it’s time to add the dressing to the salad ingredients. Pour it over the lettuce, black beans, and corn, and toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.

Finally, it’s time to add the chicken tenders and tortilla chips. The chicken tenders can be cooked in any way you like, but I suggest using my Baked Chicken Tenders. Let them cool down to room temperature first, then cut the crispy chicken strips into bite-sized pieces and add them to the salad. Top it all off with a handful of crunchy tortilla chips for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

There you have it – a Chicken Tenders Salad that is sure to satisfy your taste buds!

What to do with leftovers

Chicken tenders salad leftovers can be transformed into new and exciting dishes. Here are some ideas:

1. Dice and use as a sandwich filling or stir-fry with vegetables and quinoa.

2. Make quesadillas or tacos with vegan cheese and salsa or build a grain bowl with roasted veggies.

3. Mix into a pasta salad or add to a hearty soup or stew. Stuff bell peppers with diced chicken tenders and beans.

These ideas ensure a diverse and flavorful range of meals. Also, try adding fresh veggies to your leftovers for a revamped salad experience. Of course you could also just store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

What are variations of Chicken Tenders Salad

Transform your salad into a spicy sensation by swapping traditional chicken tenders with crispy buffalo cauliflower bites. Toss them in a tangy buffalo sauce and pair them with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a dairy-free ranch dressing for a zesty twist.

Infuse an Asian-inspired flair into your salad by incorporating sesame-ginger marinated tofu tenders. Arrange them on a bed of mixed greens, shredded carrots, and edamame, then drizzle with a sesame-soy dressing for a fusion of textures and flavors.

For a hearty and earthy alternative, use breaded and baked mushroom “chicken” tenders. Combine them with spinach, roasted sweet potatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette to create a salad that celebrates the rich umami taste of mushrooms.

Other amazing salad recipes to try

• Tuna Pasta Salad
• Chicken Pasta Salad
• Green Bean Salad
• Grilled Chicken Salad
• Greek Salad

 

If you like this easy recipe for Chicken Tenders Salad, share it with a tag on Instagram and Facebook.

Enjoy, Florian.