Santa Fe Salad with Chicken

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this salad. If you’re looking for a quicker option, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works great! Just shred or chop it and toss it in.

Olive Oil: It adds flavor and helps the spices stick to the chicken. In a pinch, feel free to use avocado oil or any neutral cooking oil instead.

Spices (Chili Powder & Cumin): These spices give the chicken a Southwest flair. If you want a bit of heat, try adding cayenne pepper or some taco seasoning instead!

Lettuce: Romaine is crunchy and refreshing. If you prefer, you can swap it for spinach or mixed greens for a different texture.

Dressing: Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative to sour cream, but feel free to use either. For a dairy-free option, try cashew cream or a plant-based yogurt.

How Do I Grill Chicken Perfectly Every Time?

Cooking chicken to juicy perfection can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll nail it! First, make sure your grill is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps to get nice grill marks and retain moisture.

• Rub the spice mixture onto the chicken breasts evenly.
• Oil your grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
• Cook each side for 6-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (75°C).
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside!

Following these steps will help you have delicious grilled chicken for your salad every time!

How to Make Santa Fe Salad with Chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Salad:

• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup corn, canned or frozen and thawed
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup tortilla strips
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious Santa Fe Salad with Chicken will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15 minutes to cook the chicken. So, in just about 30 minutes, you will have a fresh and tasty salad ready to enjoy!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a little salt and pepper. Take this mixture and rub it all over the chicken breasts to give them great flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken:

Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to be cooked all the way through, so make sure its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

3. Make the Dressing:

While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, ranch seasoning, and a bit of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed.

4. Assemble the Salad:

Grab a large salad bowl and start layering! First, add the chopped romaine lettuce. Then, sprinkle on the diced cherry tomatoes, corn, and diced avocado. Don’t forget to add the crunchy tortilla strips! Finally, slice the grilled chicken and arrange it beautifully on top of the salad.

5. Garnish and Serve:

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and then sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of flavor. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick. Enjoy your vibrant and delicious Santa Fe Salad with Chicken!

6. Toss and Enjoy:

Before you dig in, gently toss the salad to mix all the ingredients and dressing together nicely. Now you’re ready to enjoy a refreshing meal!

Can I Use Another Type of Chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier option, or even use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if using raw chicken thighs.

What if I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt?

No worries! You can substitute Greek yogurt with regular yogurt, sour cream, or even buttermilk. If you prefer a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based yogurt. Just stir in a little lemon juice to add some tang!

How Should I Store Leftover Salad?

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the tortilla strips crunchy, add them just before serving, and keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again!

Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Salad?

Yes, feel free to customize! Bell peppers, cucumbers, or even black beans make great additions to this salad. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and toss them in with the other ingredients.