Best Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe – Easy and Flavorful

Are you craving a vibrant, protein-packed meal that’s bursting with Southwestern flavors? Look no further than this Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe! Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep, this colorful salad combines tender grilled chicken, crisp veggies, black beans, corn, and a zesty lime dressing that will transport your taste buds straight to New Mexico. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch option or a light dinner, this Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe delivers both nutrition and incredible flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights!
• Packed with 19g of protein per serving to keep you satisfied
• Customizable to suit your dietary preferences (gluten-free and dairy-free options available)
• Meal-prep friendly – components can be prepared ahead of time
• Vibrant, Instagram-worthy presentation with multiple textures and colors
• The perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors
• Great way to use up leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken
• Budget-friendly meal that doesn’t sacrifice on flavor
• Tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together

Ingredients for Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe

For the Salad Base:

• 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 cups grilled chicken breast, diced (about 2 medium breasts)
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen and thawed, or canned)
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1/3 cup tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips

For the Zesty Lime Dressing:

• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you don’t have leftover chicken, season 2 chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of cumin. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before dicing into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, cumin, chili powder, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. For extra flavor, let the dressing sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad Base

In a large salad bowl, arrange the chopped romaine lettuce. For a restaurant-quality presentation, toss the lettuce with a small amount of the dressing first.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Layer the diced chicken, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, tomatoes, and avocado over the lettuce. The key to a beautiful Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe is arranging the ingredients in sections rather than mixing everything together immediately.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Drizzle with the prepared dressing, sprinkle with chopped cilantro and tortilla strips. Toss gently just before serving to maintain the vibrant colors and textures of each ingredient.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe

• Season your chicken generously: For the most flavorful Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe, marinate your chicken in lime juice, cumin, and chili powder for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Toast your corn: For enhanced nutty flavor, lightly char your corn kernels in a dry skillet before adding them to the salad.
• Make it creamier: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top for extra richness.
• Control the heat level: Adjust the amount of chili powder in the dressing or add a diced jalapeño to the salad for extra kick.
• Save time with shortcuts: Use rotisserie chicken and pre-washed salad greens to cut preparation time in half.
• Balance the flavors: The perfect Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe has a balance of spicy, sweet, tangy, and savory elements – taste and adjust your dressing accordingly.

Best Ways to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe

This Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe shines as a complete meal on its own, but here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Serve in a tortilla bowl for an authentic Southwestern presentation
• Pair with warm corn tortillas or crusty bread on the side
• For a party, set up a Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe bar with toppings in separate bowls so guests can create their perfect plate
• Serve with a side of lime-infused quinoa for extra protein and fiber
• Enjoy with a chilled glass of citrusy iced tea or a margarita for a festive meal

The best time to serve Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe is during warm weather months when fresh produce is abundant, but its vibrant flavors are welcome year-round!

Nutritional Information for Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe

(Per serving, recipe makes 4 servings)

• Calories: 410 kcal
• Protein: 19g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 8g
• Fat: 27g (mostly healthy fats from avocado and olive oil)
• Sodium: 380mg
• Sugar: 6g

This Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free (when using GF tortilla strips) and can be made dairy-free by omitting any optional cheese toppings.

Storage & Leftovers for Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe

For the best Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe experience with leftovers:

• Store the dressing separately from the salad ingredients for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• If meal prepping, layer ingredients in mason jars with dressing on the bottom and lettuce on top – just shake when ready to eat!
• The prepared salad (without dressing) will last 2-3 days in an airtight container.
• For best results, add avocado, tortilla strips, and dressing just before serving.
• Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe components can be frozen separately (except lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado), but the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

FAQs for Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe

Can I make Santa Fe Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare all components separately and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing, avocado, and tortilla strips separate until serving time. The salad components will stay fresh for 2-3 days when properly stored.

What can I use instead of chicken in Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe?

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese, crispy tofu, or an extra 1/2 cup of black beans. Grilled shrimp or salmon also work beautifully in this Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe.

Is Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe healthy?

Absolutely! This Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe is packed with protein, fiber, healthy fats, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. It’s a well-balanced meal that will keep you satisfied without feeling heavy.

What makes a salad “Santa Fe style”?

A Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe typically includes Southwestern ingredients like black beans, corn, avocado, and lime dressing. The combination of these ingredients creates the distinctive flavor profile inspired by the cuisine of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Related Recipes

If you love this Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe, try these other delicious recipes:

• Southwest Chicken Wrap – Perfect for on-the-go lunches!
• Tex-Mex Quinoa Bowl – A hearty grain-based alternative with similar flavors
• Avocado Corn Salsa – Great as a side dish or topping for grilled proteins
• Chipotle Lime Dressing – Versatile dressing that pairs with many salads
• Black Bean and Corn Salad – A lighter side dish with similar Southwestern flavors

Conclusion

Now you know how to make the best Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe at home! This vibrant, flavor-packed meal is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. With its perfect balance of protein, veggies, and zesty dressing, this salad delivers both nutrition and incredible taste in every bite. The best part? It’s completely customizable to your preferences and dietary needs.

Have you tried making this Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe? Let us know in the comments how it turned out and any delicious modifications you made! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who love bright, flavorful meals that come together quickly.

Note: This recipe was inspired by traditional Southwestern cuisine and adapted for home kitchens. Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

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