Name: santa fe salad recipe with chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound); 2 teaspoons chili powder; 2 teaspoons cumin; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 1 avocado, diced; 1 cup canned corn, drained; 1 cup diced roma tomatoes; ⅓ cup chopped cilantro; Tortilla strips; ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon water, or more if needed; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ¼ teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon onion powder; Salt & pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 18 reviews

If bold, fresh flavors excite your palate, you are absolutely going to fall in love with this santa fe salad recipe with chicken. It’s a vibrant medley of juicy, spiced chicken, crunchy romaine, and a colorful chorus of Southwest-inspired toppings, all generously drizzled with a creamy, zesty dressing you’ll want to pour on everything. Ready in just 25 minutes, this salad is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends when you want something hearty, flavorful, and anything but boring.

santa fe salad recipe with chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list is straightforward yet each item plays a starring role in making this salad truly special. From the spiced chicken to the punchy cilantro and the satisfying crunch of tortilla strips, every addition is a must for taste, texture, or that iconic Santa Fe color pop.

Chicken breasts: Sliced thin so they cook quickly and evenly, these provide juicy, lean protein for the salad.
Chili powder & cumin: The dynamic duo for that smoky, Southwest essence in every bite of chicken.
Olive oil: Helps the spices adhere to the chicken and lends richness while cooking.
Romaine lettuce: Crisp and fresh, this forms the perfect foundation for all those bold flavors.
Avocado: Adds creaminess and a buttery texture that pairs so well with the spiced chicken.
Canned corn: Sweet pops of crispness that add both flavor and a summery vibe, any time of year.
Roma tomatoes: Juicy and bright, these bring freshness to every forkful.
Cilantro: Herbaceous and lively, it gives the salad a true Santa Fe flair.
Tortilla strips: The all-important crunch factor; don’t skip these!
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the dreamy Santa Fe Sauce dressing.
Lime juice: Freshness and tang to wake up the whole salad.
Water: To thin the dressing to your preferred consistency; add a splash at a time.
Onion powder: Adds gentle savoriness without overpowering.
Salt & pepper: Season to taste and bring everything into beautiful balance.

How to Make santa fe salad recipe with chicken

Step 1: Slice and Season the Chicken

Begin by slicing your chicken breasts horizontally, so you have four thinner cutlets. This little trick ensures they cook in a flash and stay wonderfully juicy. Grab a small bowl, mix together the chili powder and cumin, and sprinkle it over both sides of each piece of chicken—rub it in for extra flavor cling!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the spiced chicken and cover the pan to keep things moist. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until the chicken is golden outside and cooked to 165°F inside. Let those beauties rest for 10 minutes; this keeps each slice tender, not dry.

Step 3: Whip Up the Santa Fe Dressing

While the chicken cooks, stir together all the dressing ingredients in a bowl or shake them up in a jar. Adjust the water to create your perfect dressing consistency. Taste and tweak the seasonings—this creamy, tangy sauce is what sets the santa fe salad recipe with chicken apart!

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Chop the romaine, dice the avocado and tomatoes, drain the corn, and chop your cilantro. Pile everything except the tortilla strips into a big bowl. Add as much dressing as you like, then toss everything together so each piece gets coated in flavor. This part is colorful and fun, so go wild with it!

Step 5: Add the Chicken and Top It Off

Slice the rested chicken into strips and nestle them on the tossed salad. Scatter over a handful (or two) of tortilla strips. For an extra wow-factor, squeeze a little more fresh lime and crack black pepper over the top just before serving. Dig in while the chicken’s still slightly warm for maximum enjoyment!

How to Serve santa fe salad recipe with chicken

Garnishes

What takes this salad from delightful to dazzling is a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime juice over the top. You can also add a little crumbled cotija or feta for saltiness, or sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick—making this santa fe salad recipe with chicken uniquely yours every time.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you’re feeling extra, serve it with warm cheese quesadillas, a side of black bean soup, or even grilled veggies. These sides echo the salad’s Southwest spirit and are perfect for soaking up any leftover Santa Fe dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, serve the salad in a large, shallow platter with chicken strips artistically fanned across the top. For lunches, layer ingredients in mason jars—dressing on the bottom, greens in the middle, toppings up top. Or, for a family meal, let everyone build their own bowl just the way they like it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you anticipate leftovers, store the salad and chicken separately from the dressing and tortilla strips. This keeps the greens crisp and the tortilla strips crunchy. Use an airtight container and consume within 2 days for best freshness.

Freezing

While the chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months, most other salad components (like lettuce and avocado) don’t freeze well. If you want to prep ahead, just freeze the cooked chicken, thaw overnight in the fridge, and assemble the santa fe salad recipe with chicken fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To enjoy the chicken warm, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts until just heated through. Be sure not to overcook or the chicken may dry out. Keep the salad cool and dress right before serving for that signature crunch and color.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Shredded or sliced rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just toss it with a little chili powder and cumin for extra flavor before adding to your santa fe salad recipe with chicken.

Is the Santa Fe dressing spicy?

The dressing has a slight kick from the chili powder, but it’s generally mild and creamy. If you love spice, add cayenne or a chopped chipotle pepper for more heat.

What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to add black beans, cheese (like shredded cheddar or pepper jack), sliced radishes, or roasted red peppers. The santa fe salad recipe with chicken is wonderfully versatile, so mix in your favorites!

Can I make the dressing dairy free?

Yes, simply swap your favorite dairy-free mayo for the standard one. The rest of the dressing ingredients are naturally dairy-free, making this an easy adjustment.

How do I keep avocado from browning?

Toss the diced avocado with a little lime juice before adding to your santa fe salad recipe with chicken. This adds flavor and keeps the avocado beautifully green.

Final Thoughts

This santa fe salad recipe with chicken is the kind of meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat—layered with vibrant color, bold flavor, and tons of texture. I can’t wait for you to try it, make it your own, and savor every lively bite. Happy cooking!