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Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe

Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 500 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Stovetop
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

This Santa Fe Chicken Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken with crisp romaine lettuce, fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and crunchy tortilla strips, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup (60 g) mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup (140 g) Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1/2 lime juiced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt if your taco seasoning does not contain salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne powder

For the Salad:

  • 2 chicken breasts sliced lengthwise into 4 cutlets
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 large heart of romaine lettuce, cut or torn (about 6 cups)
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 small red onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 large avocado, sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups crispy tortilla strips

For the Tortilla Strips:

  • Small white corn tortillas cut into strips
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil for frying
  • Salt for seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, taco seasoning, lime juice, salt, chipotle, and cayenne powders. Whisk until combined and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt and taco seasoning. Cook in a pan over medium heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C. Rest the cooked chicken on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing.
  3. Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Add ¾ of the dressing and toss gently to combine.
  4. Plate the Salad: Transfer the salad to a serving plate. Top with sliced chicken, avocado, remaining tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top.
  5. Prepare the Tortilla Strips: Cut tortillas into strips and fry in oil at 350°F/180°C for about a minute. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
  6. Serve: Top the salad with crispy tortilla strips just before serving.

Notes

  • If watching sodium, consider making your own taco seasoning to control salt levels.
  • Vary the salad with cheese, additional veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers, or beans.
  • The dressing is spicy; adjust cayenne and chipotle for milder taste.
  • Enjoy the salad immediately after preparing.
  • Prep components in advance but assemble fresh for best taste.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 375 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg