Chicken Santa Fe Salad (2024)

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5 from 1 vote

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Total 1 hour hr

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Serves 4 Servings

By: Mariam Ezzeddine|August 17, 2023This post may contain affiliate links, read my disclosure policy for details

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Indulge in the vibrant and satisfying flavors of our Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Salad recipe. This Santa Fe chicken salad recipe combines the zesty goodness of Santa Fe cuisine with the freshness of crisp greens and a creamy cilantro dressing. With its tantalizing flavors and wholesome ingredients, this Salad is a perfect choice for a healthy and satisfying meal.

This vibrant Santa Fe chicken salad is a medley of tender grilled chicken, crisp Romaine lettuce, protein-rich black beans, sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a touch of heat from sliced jalapenos. Topped with a luscious cilantro dressing, this Santa Fe grilled chicken salad recipe is a true flavor sensation that will leave you craving for more. Santa Fe Salad is ideal for a summer meal but tastes great all year round.

If you love the corn and black beans in this salad, you will also love Air Fryer Southwest Eggrolls and Avocado Corn Salad.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Santa Fe Salad Recipe

It’s bursting with flavor. Our Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Salad is a flavor-packed delight. From the grilled chicken infused with taco seasoning to the fresh ingredients and zesty dressing, every bite is a burst of vibrant and satisfying flavors.
It’s healthy and nourishing. This grilled chicken salad is not only delicious but also a nutritious choice. It’s loaded with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a well-rounded and wholesome meal option.
It’s easy to make. With a simple marinade for the chicken and a quick assembly of the salad ingredients, this recipe is a breeze to prepare. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a scrumptious Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Salad ready to be enjoyed.

Santa Fe Salad Ingredients

For the Santa Fe Chicken:

Chicken: Tender and juicy chicken breast is the star of this salad. You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even grilled shrimp for a different protein option.
Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that adds a savory and slightly spicy kick to the chicken. If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can create your own by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Ground Cumin: A warm and aromatic spice that complements the flavors of the salad.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the chicken. Adjust the amount to your taste preferences.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a tangy and citrusy element to the chicken. You can substitute it with lemon juice if desired.
Olive Oil: Substitute with any light cooking oil of your choice.

Dressing for Santa Fe Salad:

Sour Cream: A creamy base that adds richness to the dressing. Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative.
Cilantro: Offers a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dressing. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute with fresh parsley.
Olive Oil: Adds smoothness and richness to the dressing. You can use avocado oil or vegetable oil as alternatives.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice provides tanginess and brightness to the dressing. Lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the dressing. Adjust the amount to your taste.
Ground Pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness and depth to the dressing. Adjust the amount to your preference.

For the Santa Fe Salad:

Lettuce: Roughly chopped Romaine creates a crispy and refreshing base for the salad. You can substitute with mixed salad greens or your favorite lettuce variety.
Black Beans: Adds a creamy and protein-rich component to the salad. Kidney beans or pinto beans can be used as alternatives.
Corn: Canned corn provides sweetness and crunch to the salad. Fresh corn kernels or frozen corn can be substituted.
Cherry Tomatoes: Adds vibrant color and juicy bursts of flavor. You can use grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes.
Jalapeno: Offers a spicy kick and a touch of heat to the salad. Adjust the amount or substitute with milder peppers like bell peppers if you prefer a less spicy version.
Lime Slices: These citrusy slices add a fresh and tangy element to the salad.

How To Make Santa Fe Salad

Marinate the chicken. Pat dry the chicken breasts with a kitchen towel. Marinade the chicken with taco seasonings, ground cumin, salt, lime juice, and olive oil. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Grill the chicken. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill; add the chicken breasts and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through with beautiful grill marks. Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Prepare the dressing. In a food processor, combine the sour cream, cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Grind until smooth and creamy. Set it aside.

Make the salad. Prepare the salad ingredients and mix them in a large bowl. Add the cooked chicken on top and drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Garnish the salad with lime slices and serve immediately.

Tips To Make Santa Fe Salad

Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This will infuse the chicken with flavor and tenderize it. For an even stronger flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Preheat your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium heat.
Cook the chicken breasts until they reach 165 degrees F when checked with a digital meat thermometer. Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
Once the chicken is cooked, allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This helps retain the juices and ensures that the chicken remains moist.
You can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, making the dressing even more flavorful. Just give it a good stir before drizzling it over the salad.
Customize the salad with additional ingredients based on your preferences. You can add diced avocado, sliced red onions, shredded cheese, or crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
Serve the salad immediately after adding the dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use something other than chicken breasts?

Yes, if you prefer, you can use chicken tenders or chicken thighs or substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp, steak, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is this salad spicy?

This salad has a mild spiciness thanks to the addition of jalapenos. If you like more heat, you can add additional spices or ingredients to make the salad spicier. Consider adding diced jalapenos, chipotle pepper, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the marinade or dressing. You can also top the salad with hot sauce or chili flakes.

Can I make this salad in advance?

While it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp, you can prepare some components in advance. You can marinate the chicken and store it in the refrigerator. You can also chop the vegetables and keep them refrigerated separately. You can even prepare the dressing in advance. When ready to serve, grill the chicken and assemble the salad with fresh ingredients.

How do I store Santa Fe Chicken Salad?

This salad is best enjoyed just after preparing. If there are leftovers, store the salad, the chicken and the dressing separately. The chicken and dressing will last up to 3 days. Consume the vegetables within 24 hours for the best taste and texture.

Can I freeze Santa Fe Salad?

Freezing this salad is not recommended.

What to serve with Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Salad?

This salad is a standalone meal but you could serve it with a sweet dessert such as Cottage Cheese Ice Cream or Pistachio Shortbread Cookies.

More Chicken Salad Recipes

Thai Chicken Mango Salad
Homemade Chicken Salad
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Salad
Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Greek Chicken Salad
Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

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