Craving something fresh, a little smoky, and totally satisfying? Look no further than the Santa Fe salad with chicken! This Southwest-inspired dish is packed with flavor and is so versatile you can whip it up for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even serve it at your next party.
So, what makes this salad so irresistible? Think tender chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, hearty black beans, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese, all tossed in a zesty Southwest-style dressing. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, don’t forget those crispy tortilla strips for an added crunch!
Consider this your ultimate guide to creating the perfect Santa Fe salad with chicken. We’ll cover all the basics, plus some fun variations and tips to ensure your salad is a total hit.
What is a Santa Fe Chicken Salad?
Santa Fe Chicken Salad is a salad that uses ingredients and flavors you might associate with the American Southwest.
It usually has grilled or rotisserie chicken, lettuce, beans, corn, tomatoes, and cheese, and it’s topped with a tangy, flavorful dressing.
Sometimes called Southwest Chicken Salad, you’ll find it changes a bit depending on the cook and where you are. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something healthy and filling. It’s got protein, veggies, and healthy fats, all in one bowl!
Key ingredients for the best Santa Fe chicken salad
The secret to an amazing Santa Fe chicken salad lies in the quality of the ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
The Chicken
Chicken is the star of this salad, so choose wisely! You have a few options:
- Grilled chicken breasts: Grilling adds a smoky flavor that’s delicious.
- Rotisserie chicken: For a quick and easy option, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store.
- Leftover cooked chicken: This is a great way to use up leftover chicken from another meal.
Tips for cooking the chicken:
- Marinate the chicken for extra flavor.
- Cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Slice the chicken into strips, which helps distribute the flavor throughout the salad.
The Greens
Fresh greens are a must for any salad. Romaine lettuce is a classic choice for Santa Fe salad, but you can also use mixed greens or spinach.
Be sure to wash and dry the greens thoroughly. A salad spinner is your best friend for removing excess water.
The Beans and Corn
Black beans are a staple in Santa Fe salad, but you can also use pinto or kidney beans.
For the corn, you can use fresh corn (cut off the cob), frozen corn (thawed), or canned corn (drained and rinsed).
Crafting the perfect Santa Fe salad dressing
The dressing is what really makes a Santa Fe salad sing. Here’s how to make a dressing that’ll knock your socks off.
Base ingredients
The foundation of a great Santa Fe dressing includes:
- Freshly squeezed lime juice: It’s hard to beat the zip and tang of fresh lime juice.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Look for a good quality olive oil to give your dressing richness and help it emulsify.
- Apple cider vinegar: This adds another layer of tang and complexity.
The lime juice provides the acidity, the olive oil brings the richness, and the apple cider vinegar gives it a little extra oomph.
Flavor enhancers
Now for the fun part! Here are some flavor enhancers to consider:
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: These add a smoky depth that’s hard to resist.
- Jalapeño: For a little heat, add some finely diced jalapeño.
- Cumin: This spice brings earthy warmth to the party.
- Chili powder: A good chili powder adds even more depth.
- Garlic: Fresh or powdered, garlic is always a welcome addition.
- Honey: A touch of honey balances the acidity and spice.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens everything up.
- Green onion: These add a mild onion flavor.
Want to control the spice level? Remove the seeds from the jalapeño for less heat, and adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to your liking.
Dressing preparation
Making the dressing is easy:
- Whisk together all the ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- For a smoother texture, blend the ingredients in a food processor or blender.
Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Adding Texture and Flavor: Toppings and Variations
Let’s talk about how to take your Santa Fe salad with chicken to the next level! The right toppings and a few smart variations can really make this salad sing.
Cheese, please!
Cheese is a must-have, and you’ve got options:
- Cotija: This is the classic choice. It’s a firm, salty, crumbly Mexican cheese.
- Queso fresco: A milder, fresh cheese that’s also a great choice.
- Monterey Jack or Cheddar: These are both easy-to-find and add a familiar, creamy element.
For the best results, grate or crumble the cheese just before serving.
Veggies galore
Don’t stop at just lettuce and corn! Consider adding:
- Bell peppers: Diced bell peppers add a sweet crunch.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion brings a bit of bite.
- Avocado: Diced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats.
- Olives: Sliced black or green olives offer a salty, briny flavor.
Crispy tortilla strips: homemade or store-bought
Those crispy tortilla strips are essential for texture. You can easily make your own:
- Cut corn tortillas into thin strips.
- Toss with a little olive oil and salt.
- Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or air fry until golden brown and crispy.
If you’re short on time, store-bought tortilla strips or even crumbled corn chips work just fine!
Protein variations
While chicken is the star of this salad, feel free to experiment:
- Grilled steak: Adds a richer, more savory flavor.
- Shrimp: A lighter, seafood option.
- Tofu: For a vegan version, use grilled or pan-fried tofu.
How to make a Santa Fe chicken salad
- In a large bowl, combine your greens, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and any other veggies you’ve selected.
- Add your cooked chicken.
- Drizzle the Southwest-style dressing over the top. Don’t overdo it! You can always add more.
- Gently toss everything together until it’s evenly coated.
- Sprinkle cheese and crispy tortilla strips on top.
- Serve immediately, or cover the bowl and chill it in the fridge for later. If you wait, the tortilla strips might lose some of their crispiness.
Tips for the perfect Santa Fe chicken salad
- Use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find. It makes a difference!
- Don’t drown your salad in dressing. Add it little by little until you reach the perfect amount of sauciness.
- Make the dressing and chicken ahead of time to speed things up when you’re ready to eat.
- Don’t be afraid to change the recipe to your preferences! Add your favorite toppings or swap out ingredients.
- Pack individual salads for easy meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to make Earl’s Santa Fe Chicken Salad?
Recreating the iconic Earl’s Santa Fe Chicken Salad involves a few key components. First, you’ll need grilled chicken breast, black beans, corn, avocado, feta cheese, and crisp lettuce. The real secret lies in the creamy peanut lime dressing, which is a blend of peanut butter, lime juice, honey, soy sauce, and a touch of spice. Toss everything together and garnish with crunchy tortilla strips for that signature Earl’s experience. Exact measurements vary, so feel free to adjust to your taste!
Is Santa Fe style salad healthy?
Santa Fe salads can be healthy, but it depends on the ingredients and portion sizes. The grilled chicken provides lean protein, and the vegetables offer vitamins and fiber. However, many Santa Fe salads include creamy dressings, cheese, and fried tortilla strips, which can add significant calories and unhealthy fats. To make it healthier, use a light vinaigrette instead of a creamy dressing, increase the amount of vegetables, and limit the cheese and tortilla strips. It’s all about making smart choices!
The Bottom Line
This Santa Fe Chicken Salad is so versatile, and it’s absolutely delicious! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different veggies, beans, cheeses, or salad dressings to find your perfect combination.
Now, go ahead and make this flavorful, satisfying salad for lunch or dinner. Enjoy!