Yummy new salad!

One of my favorite things to do is find a BRAND NEW recipe to make for diner. There's just something about not knowing if it's going to be good or not, and learning new ways that ingredients work together and just doing something that you've never done before. Well, I made a YUMMY new salad last night that Greg LOVED! One of our go-to take out comfort foods is the taco salad at Stageline and we both agreed that this salad is SO MUCH YUMMIER...it is as follows:
TACO RANCH DRESSING INGREDIENTS:
1/3 c. mayonnaise
1/3 c. buttermilk
1 1/2 tsp fresh lime juice
2 tsp taco seasoning (I used cheesy taco seasoning)
1 tsp onion powder
2 Tbs chopped fresh cilantro

CHICKEN INGREDIENTS:
2 tsp taco seasoning
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
2 skinless boneless chicken breasts (I cooked 4 b/c I knew we would eat them for leftovers)
1 Tbs canola oil (I use EVOO)

SALAD INGREDIENTS:
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 small ripe avocado, peeled, pited and chopped into 3/4 inch pieces
1 tomato cut into wedges (I used several small cherry tomatoes cut in half instead)
1 tsp taco seasoning
4 c. chopped romaine lettuce
1 c. crumbled tortilla chips (I used Cool Ranch Doritos)
1/4 c. fresh cilantro leaves (I'm sure I used extra b/c you can NEVER have too much cilantro!)
2 lime wedges (optional)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet w/aluminum foil.
TO MAKE THE TACO-RANCH DRESSING: Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a medium bowl. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 30 min.
TO PREPARE THE CHICKEN: Mix the taco seasoning, onion powder and kosher salt in a small bowl. Season the chicken on both sides with the spice mixture and brush with the oil. Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake until opaque in the center, 15 to 20 minutes (I did 20 min and it was PERFECT!)
TO MAKE THE SALAD: Combine the beans, avocado, tomato, and taco seasoning in a LARGE bowl and toss gently. Add the lettuce, chips and cilantro. Add 1/2 c. of the dressing and toss, adding additional dressing if necessary. Divide between 2 plates (we had extra...if you need more than 2 servings, I would just add extra lettuce unless serving for a large crowd, then I would double the recipe). Slice the chicken and fan on top of the salads. Garnish each salad with a lime wedge if desired.

ENJOY!!!