{"id":90990,"date":"2026-06-10T13:37:12","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T19:37:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=90990"},"modified":"2026-06-10T13:37:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T19:37:12","slug":"mexican-chicken-salad-recipe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/mexican-chicken-salad-recipe\/","title":{"rendered":"Mexican chicken salad: A nutritious, delicious dish for hot summer days"},"content":{"rendered":"
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With the arrival of summer, our body craves foods that are easy to digest and naturally refreshing. This Mexican-style chicken salad is perfect for those hot days. Photo: Gemma Aguayo-Murphy\/Everyday Latina.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hydration and nutrition are two key factors in healthy eating, especially in the summer, when rising temperatures make the body work harder to cool itself. For this reason, choosing nutritious, easy-to-digest, and refreshing foods is very important.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis Mexican chicken salad is a fresh, nourishing dish that\u2019s perfect for warmer days. It brings together tender shredded chicken, hearty potatoes and carrots, crisp celery, sweet apples, and crunchy nuts for a satisfying mix of flavors and textures,\u201d said Gemma Aguayo-Murphy, who specializes in traditional Mexican cuisine with a focus on healthy ingredients.<\/p>\n

As in most Mexican recipes, jalape\u00f1os are essential ingredients, and this recipe is no exception. And although jalapeno peppers can be hot, when combined with fresh mayonnaise, the heat becomes milder.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll the ingredients are mixed with creamy mayonnaise and a hint of tangy pickled jalape\u00f1o, giving it a bright, balanced flavor that feels both comforting and refreshing,\u201d Aguayo-Murphy said.<\/p>\n

But the mayonnaise that this Mexican-American chef chooses for this recipe is not just any mayonnaise. She recommends mayonnaise made with avocado oil, an option that has fewer calories than traditional mayonnaise and replaces processed vegetable oils with avocado oil, a naturally fatty fruit that provides healthy fats.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo keep it on the lighter side, I like to use avocado-oil mayonnaise, which is made with healthier fats and has a clean, mild flavor that works beautifully in this salad. It\u2019s especially great this time of year when you\u2019re looking for meals that can be made ahead and served chilled, whether for lunches, picnics, or family gatherings.\u201d<\/p>\n

The chef inherited this recipe from her mother, who prepared this dish on hot \u00a0summer days.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the version I grew up with, the way my mom always made it, and the one I continue to make for my own family. It\u2019s simple, flavorful, and always a favorite.\u201d<\/p>\n

This summer\u2011ready chicken salad can be eaten with tostadas, with your favorite vegetables, or served as a sandwich.<\/p>\n

When Aguayo-Murphy makes this recipe for her own family, she\u2019s also honoring her mother\u2019s legacy. \u00a0Try making it for your family.<\/p>\n

Mexican chicken salad <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Ingredients:<\/strong><\/h3>\n