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