How to Make the Best Santa Fe Salad with Chicken

Craving a fresh, flavorful salad that’s perfect for any time of the year? Look no further! Today, I’m excited to share with you how to make the best Santa Fe Salad with Chicken. This vibrant, zesty dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for your taste buds. Whether you’re planning a quick family dinner or a gathering with friends, this Santa Fe Chicken Salad is sure to become a favorite. Plus, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients to keep you energized throughout the day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
• Packed with fresh, flavorful ingredients that are both healthy and delicious.
• Customizable to suit your taste preferences.
• Great for leftovers—enjoy it for lunch or dinner the next day.
• Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Santa Fe Salad with Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1 cup of canned corn, drained
• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 cup of tortilla strips
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons of lime juice
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Additional lime wedges for garnish

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this mouthwatering Santa Fe Salad with Chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half to make 4 thin cutlets and season with chili powder, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat until cooked through. Let it cool and slice into strips.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Thin the dressing with a little water to achieve your desired consistency.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, diced avocado, canned corn, Roma tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Toss everything together with the dressing until well coated.
4. Add the Finishing Touches: Top the salad with the cooked chicken strips and tortilla strips. Optionally, garnish with a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some helpful tips to make your Santa Fe Salad with Chicken even better:

• Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover grilled or cooked chicken, feel free to use it in this recipe to save time.
• Customize to Your Taste: Add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences. For example, you can include diced bell peppers, black beans, or crumbled queso fresco.
• Dressing Variations: If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
• Make It Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of hot sauce to give it an extra kick.

How to Serve

This Santa Fe Salad with Chicken is versatile and can be served in various ways:

• As a Main Dish: Enjoy it as a complete meal on its own or paired with a side of warm tortillas or crusty bread.
• As a Side Salad: Serve it alongside your favorite grilled meats or as part of a larger spread.
• In a Bowl: Try it as a Santa Fe Chicken Bowl by adding a bed of rice or quinoa at the bottom.
• As a Sandwich: Turn it into a Santa Fe Chicken Sandwich by stuffing it into a large tortilla or bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Prepping this salad in advance can save you time during busy weeknights:

• Prepare the Chicken: Cook and slice the chicken up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Chop the Vegetables: Chop the lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado (if using) ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge.
• Store the Salad: If you’re not serving it immediately, keep the salad components separate and assemble just before serving to maintain crispiness.

Looking for more delicious and easy recipes? Be sure to check out my How to Make the Best Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad in 15 Minutes and Southwest Chicken Wrap Recipe: How to Make the Best Chicken Wraps for more inspiration!

Santa Fe Salad with Chicken Recipe

A flavorful and vibrant Southwestern-inspired salad featuring grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, topped with crispy tortilla strips.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine Southwestern

Servings 4 people

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4 breasts Chicken breasts
• 1 head Romaine lettuce
• 2 avocados Avocado
• 1 cup Canned corn
• 2 tomatoes Roma tomatoes
• 1/4 cup Cilantro chopped
• 1 cup Tortilla strips
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Lime juice
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder

Instructions

 

• Slice the chicken breasts in half to make 4 thin cutlets and season with chili powder and cumin.
• Cook the chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat until cooked through. Let cool and slice into strips.
• Mix the dressing ingredients and thin with water to the desired consistency.
• Combine salad ingredients in a bowl, toss with dressing, and top with tortilla strips. Optionally, garnish with lime juice and black pepper.

Notes

Customize the salad by adding diced bell peppers or a sprinkle of queso fresco for extra flavor and texture.

Keyword chicken