Ensalada de Pollo Mexicana (Mexican Chicken Salad)

Ensalada de pollo Mexicana or Mexican chicken salad is a delicious recipe that uses up leftover shredded chicken and veggies and turns it into something amazing! Next you’ll have to try this Mexican tuna salad.

Why You’ll Love This Ensalada de Pollo

• Perfect way to use leftover chicken
• No cooking required
• Ready in minutes
• Budget friendly
• Great for hot weather

Ensalada de pollo is a simple but yummy dish that’s perfect for the summertime. This creamy chicken salad is especially popular during the warmer months because it requires no cooking and can be made ahead of time. It’s one of my favorite easy Mexican recipes when I need something quick, filling, and family friendly.

We like to make Mexican chicken salad tostadas but you can also serve it with crackers or on bread.

And I have a feeling it would taste delicious in lettuce wraps.

Ingredients

Each cook has their own way of making ensalada de pollo so ingredients will vary between cooks. Here are the ingredients we use:

Creamy Base

Sour cream and mayonnaise create the rich, creamy texture.

Seasonings

Garlic salt and black pepper keep it simple but flavorful.

Vegetables

Onion, celery, pickled jalapeños and canned mixed veggies add flavor and texture.

Chicken

Shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Any shredded chicken you have will work fine but rotisserie chicken is my favorite. They’re inexpensive and I like using the leftover meat for my ensalada de pollo Mexicana. Shredded rotisserie chicken will add additional flavor to the salad.

Do I have to use canned vegetables?

No, you don’t have to use canned vegetables. You can use frozen vegetables or you can use a combination of fresh and canned or fresh and frozen.

How to make ensalada de pollo

Put the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix.

Then add the onion, celery, jalapenos and the juice and mix again.

Next add the can of veggies and the chicken.

Mix until everything is evenly coated. Then put it in the refrigerator to chill before serving.

More Mexican Recipes You’ll Love

• Tostadas de jaiba
• Tuna macaroni salad
• Ensalada de coditos
• Mexican corn salad

What do you serve with ensalada de pollo?

• Tostadas
• Crackers
• Sandwich bread
• Bolillos
• Lettuce wraps
• With sliced avocado

How long does Mexican chicken salad last in the refrigerator?

Store the ensalada de pollo in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will stay good for three days. It’s important not to leave chicken salad out too long as it contains dairy and can spoil. I recommend not leaving it out at room temperature longer than an hour.

Why I Love This Mexican Chicken Salad

This is the best ensalada de pollo (Mexican chicken salad) ever! It’s super easy to make and it’s a great meal during the hot summer weather.

What’s also great during the hot summer are these refreshing aguas frescas!

• Peach agua fresca
• Horchata
• Dragon fruit agua fresca
• Tamarind agua fresca
• Cantaloupe agua fresca
• Strawberry horchata
• Piña colada agua fresca
• Mango agua fresca

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, but rotisserie chicken has more flavor.

Can I make it without sour cream?

Yes, you can use all mayonnaise if you prefer.

Can I add potatoes?

Some families add diced boiled potatoes for a heartier version.

Is Mexican chicken salad spicy?

No, the jalapeños add flavor more than heat.