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Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe

Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 89 reviews
  • Author: Jasmine
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 Servings 1x
  • Category: Stovetop
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southwestern
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A vibrant and flavorful Santa Fe Chicken Salad featuring tender seasoned chicken strips atop a bed of crisp romaine lettuce, fresh tomatoes, red onions, and creamy avocado. Topped with crunchy homemade tortilla strips and drizzled with a zesty Greek yogurt-based dressing with a hint of spice.


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 chicken cutlets with salt and taco seasoning. Cook in a pan until internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C. Rest and slice into strips.
  3. Prepare the Salad: Combine lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro in a bowl. Add ¾ of the dressing and gently toss.
  4. Plate the Salad: Transfer salad to a plate. Top with chicken, avocado, remaining tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Drizzle with remaining dressing.
  5. Prepare the Tortilla Strips: Cut tortillas into strips and fry in oil. Drain and season with salt.
  6. Serve: Top salad with tortilla strips before serving.

Notes

  • If watching sodium, make taco seasoning from scratch to control salt content.
  • Consider plating individually or adding cheese and additional veggies.
  • Dressing is spicy; adjust cayenne and chipotle for milder taste.
  • Salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation.
  • Prep components ahead but cut avocado fresh when serving.
  • Finish chopping veggies and assemble salads just before eating.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg