Low-Fat Chicken Tostada Salad

Ingredients

• 4-5 corn tortillas (1 - 1.5 per serving)
• nonstick cooking spray (such as PAM)
• 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, diced (3/4 pound before cooking)
• 3/4 cup canned black bean, rinsed and drained (half of a 15-ounce can)
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon taco seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 head red leaf lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces (about 6 cups torn pieces)
• 1 small red onion, sliced into thin rings
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons sliced jalapenos (canned type, as many as your "heat-meter" will allow)
• 3/4 cup grated reduced-fat cheese (cheddar-jack or Mexican-blend recommended)
• reduced-fat sour cream
• salsa

Directions

1. 1

   Spray each tortilla lightly one one side only with no-stick cooking spray; cut each tortilla in half then into cross-wise scant-1/2" strips; spread tortilla strips evenly across baking sheet and place into a 400°F oven for 8 minutes (tossing strips after 4 minutes for even baking) until they are a very light golden-brown; remove from oven and set aside.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, combine chicken, beans, broth, garlic, taco seasoning, and cumin in a small saucepan; simmer 10-15 minutes, or until broth is fully absorbed so that the moist chicken mixture is warmed and flavorful; drain away any excess broth if necessary or desired.

3. 3

   Toss lettuce, onion rings, tomatoes, and jalapeños together; divide lettuce mixture evenly between three serving plates; spread a large spoonful (almost ¾ cup) of chicken mixture across top of each plate of lettuce; add some grated cheese then a handful of baked tortilla strips; garnish each salad with a small dollop of sour cream and salsa as desired.