Looking for a salad that’s anything but boring? Santa Fe Chicken Salad combines the fresh flavors of the Southwest into one healthy, satisfying dish. Packed with grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, beans, and corn, all tossed in a zesty dressing, this salad is a fiesta in your mouth.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch, a light yet filling dinner, or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next party, the Santa Fe Chicken Salad is a perfect choice.
This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to make the absolute best Santa Fe Chicken Salad, every single time.
Understanding the Key Ingredients
The magic of a Santa Fe salad is in the balance of textures and flavors, so let’s take a closer look at each component.
The Chicken Component
While you can use just about any protein you like, chicken is the classic option.
Grilling it adds a nice smoky flavor, but be sure to cook it to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any harmful bacteria.
If you’re short on time (or energy!), rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. It saves you the effort of cooking and can be a good way to use up leftover chicken from another meal.
Fresh Produce Power
A bed of crisp lettuce forms the base of this salad. Romaine is a popular choice, and a salad spinner will help you get it nice and dry.
Tomatoes, corn, and black beans add bursts of flavor and interesting textures. Cherry tomatoes are wonderfully sweet, while you can use fresh, frozen, or even fire-roasted corn. Canned black beans are super convenient, just be sure to rinse and drain them well.
Finally, creamy avocado adds richness and healthy fats. Dice it right before serving to prevent it from browning.
Crafting the Perfect Santa Fe Salad Dressing
While you can use a store-bought dressing for this salad, let me suggest that you whip up a batch of homemade dressing instead. Here’s why:
The Importance of Homemade Dressing
Homemade dressings are generally healthier than the bottled stuff, mainly because you have complete control over the ingredients and the amount of sugar that goes into it.
Plus, fresh ingredients will always taste better. Fresh lime juice is key for that signature Santa Fe tang.
Variations on a Theme
There are plenty of ways you can riff on the classic Santa Fe salad dressing. Here are a few ideas:
- Tangy Lime Dressing: This is the classic choice, made with olive oil, lime juice, a touch of maple syrup or honey, and plenty of fresh cilantro. Adjust the sweetener to your liking. Leftover dressing will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Chipotle Honey Dressing: For a smoky and spicy kick, add finely minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- Cumin Vinaigrette: Cumin, garlic, chili powder, and lime juice create a flavorful and slightly earthy vinaigrette. Shake it all up in a mason jar for easy mixing and storage.
How to Assemble Your Santa Fe Chicken Salad
- Grab a big bowl and toss together your lettuce, chopped veggies, and beans. (Make sure your lettuce is dry so your salad doesn’t get soggy!)
- Add your cooked chicken. Grilled chicken is amazing, but rotisserie chicken works great too.
- Drizzle your salad dressing over the top. Start with a little and add more until it’s just right.
- Now, for the best part: toppings! Add your avocado, cheese (if you’re using it), and crispy tortilla strips. Cotija cheese is a nice, traditional choice. Wait until right before you serve your salad to add the tortilla strips so they stay crispy.
Add a little crunch: Crispy tortilla strips
Store-bought tortilla strips are fine, but homemade really takes this salad to the next level. Plus, you can control the salt and oil.
Here are a few options:
- Oven-baked: Cut corn or flour tortillas into strips, toss with oil and your favorite seasonings, and bake until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Air fryer: The air fryer is a faster option than the oven.
- Store-bought: If you’re short on time, store-bought is fine. Just check the label to make sure you know what you’re getting.
Chicken Santa Fe Salad: Make it your own
One of the best things about this salad is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas:
- Ingredient swaps: Try iceberg or mixed greens instead of romaine. Use pinto beans. Cheddar or Monterey Jack would also work well.
- Extra flavor: Add cilantro, black olives, bell peppers, jalapeños, or pickled onions.
- Serving suggestions: This salad works as a main course or a side. Pair it with a Skinny Margarita or some roasted vegetables.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Skip the cheese, or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salad dressing comes with the Santa Fe Crisper salad?
The Santa Fe Crisper salad, particularly the one previously offered at Chili’s, typically comes with a tangy and creamy ranch dressing that has a bit of a kick. It’s often referred to as a Santa Fe Ranch dressing. However, dressing preferences can vary, so feel free to use whatever dressing you enjoy most with these flavors!
What is the Jennifer Aniston salad?
The Jennifer Aniston salad is a chopped salad rumored to be her go-to lunch during her time on the set of “Friends.” While the exact recipe varies, it generally includes bulgur wheat, cucumbers, parsley, mint, red onion, chickpeas, feta cheese, and pistachios. It’s a fresh and flavorful salad packed with protein and nutrients!
Is Santa Fe style salad healthy?
Santa Fe salads can be healthy, but it really depends on the ingredients and portion sizes. They often contain lean protein like chicken or beans, along with plenty of vegetables. However, they can also be high in calories, fat, and sodium due to creamy dressings, cheese, and fried tortilla strips. To make it healthier, load up on the veggies, use a light dressing, and go easy on the extras!
To Conclude
A truly great Santa Fe chicken salad has fresh, flavorful ingredients, a zesty dressing, and a satisfying crunch. This salad is a healthy and customizable meal option that you can enjoy any time of year.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find the Santa Fe chicken salad that’s perfect for you. Whether you like it spicy, mild, creamy, or tangy, you can adjust the recipe to match your tastes.
Now, it’s time to get cooking and enjoy your homemade Santa Fe chicken salad!