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
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Add ¾ of the dressing and toss gently to combine.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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