– **Title**: Santa Fe Salad with Chicken
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 cups mixed greens (romaine, iceberg, or spring mix)
– 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
– 1 cup roasted corn (canned or fresh)
– 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 avocado, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1/4 cup cumin-lime vinaigrette or dressing of choice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Tortilla strips for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, roasted corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and red onion.
2. Add the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad.
3. Sprinkle the shredded cheese and chopped cilantro over the chicken and salad.
4. Drizzle the cumin-lime vinaigrette (or your choice of dressing) over the top of the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. If desired, top with tortilla strips for an extra crunch.
7. Toss gently before serving to combine all ingredients, or serve as-is for a more composed look.
Enjoy your fresh and vibrant Santa Fe Salad with Chicken!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here for quick cooking. You can use thighs for more flavor and moisture or try grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Taco Seasoning: This adds great flavor! If you don’t have taco seasoning, mix cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder as a substitute. I often prefer making my own to control the spice level.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine is crunchy and fresh but feel free to swap with other greens like spinach or mixed greens for a different taste and texture.
Avocado: Avocado adds creaminess. If you’re short on time, try adding a dollop of guacamole or omit it entirely. You can also use sliced cucumbers for a refreshing crunch.
Dressing Ingredients: Plain Greek yogurt makes the dressing creamy and healthy. If you want a dairy-free option, use an avocado-based or vegan yogurt instead. For a lighter version, skip the mayonnaise.
How Do I Grill the Chicken Perfectly?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with some simple tips, you’ll get it just right. Here’s how to ensure it’s juicy and flavorful:
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high. A hot surface helps to sear the chicken and lock in juices.
- Make sure to let your chicken rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This helps retain moisture.
- Check for doneness by slicing into the thickest part of the chicken. It should be white all the way through, with juices running clear.
How to Make Santa Fe Salad with Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup tortilla strips
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Santa Fe Salad with Chicken takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook the chicken. You’ll have a delicious, vibrant salad ready in about 30-35 minutes, perfect for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by preheating your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle taco seasoning, salt, and pepper over them. Make sure to coat them well for maximum flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken on the grill or in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Once done, remove it from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, mix together the chopped romaine lettuce, diced cherry tomatoes, corn, and sliced avocado. This colorful mixture will form the base of your salad. Top it off with the sliced chicken, tortilla strips, and chopped cilantro for that extra crunch and flavor!
4. Make the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste it and adjust seasoning if needed—this dressing adds a creamy, zesty touch to your salad!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine everything together. You can also serve the dressing on the side if you prefer. Finally, add lime wedges for a zesty garnish and enjoy your delicious Santa Fe Salad with Chicken right away!
Can I Use Different Protein in This Salad?
Absolutely! This salad is versatile, so you can substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, steak, or even beans for a vegetarian option. If using shrimp, remember to cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re pink and opaque.
What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt?
No worries! You can substitute Greek yogurt with regular plain yogurt or sour cream. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using unsweetened coconut yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise for the dressing.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover salad components in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The salad mix can last for up to 2 days, while the dressing is good for about a week. When ready to eat, assemble the salad fresh, and avoid adding dressing until just before serving to keep everything crisp.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing ahead, but it’s best to store them separately. Assemble the salad and add the dressing right before serving to maintain freshness and texture. You might want to squeeze some lime juice over the avocados to prevent them from browning!
