Santa Fe Salad With Cilantro Avocado Dressing

Who says salads have to be boring? Take one bite of this Santa Fe Salad with creamy avocado lime dressing and you'll forget all about taco night. This hearty salad is loaded with juicy chicken, fresh vegetables and crunchy tortilla strips. Make this for dinner or it's a great option for meal prep!

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Why This Is The Best Santa Fe Salad!

There are many restaurants that make a version of a Santa Fe chicken salad so I thought I'd make my own copycat recipe. What I like about making my own version is that I'm in control of the ingredients and can keep the calories somewhat in line. Too many times I see salads on a menu that are worse than a cheeseburger and fries.

Not with this recipe! This Santa Fe salad is loaded with fresh veggies, spicy chicken and zesty cilantro lime dressing! While packed with flavor this salad is perfect for a light lunch or easy weeknight dinner. It is even great the next day for anyone that wants to meal prep.

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Equipment Needed

food processor- or high powered blender to blend the ingredients for the cilantro-lime dressing.

non-stick skillet- to cook the chicken breast.

Key Ingredients

Chicken breast- boneless skinless chicken breasts cook perfectly for this salad. You can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs if you are not a fan of white meat chicken.

corn- usually I use frozen or canned corn for the easier option. If you really want to elevate the recipe try using grilled corn or charred skillet corn.

tomatoes- I like to use either cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes but you can use your favorite variety.

Step-By-Step Instructions

First prepare the chicken by marinating it in the spices, lime juice and and a tablespoon of olive oil. It does not need to marinate long so let this sit while prepping the salad ingredients.

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan. Place the chicken in the skillet shaking off any excess marinade. Cook on each side for 6-7 minutes minutes or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees with a meat thermometer.

While the chicken is resting, prepare the dressing in a food processor. This recipe makes a lot of dressing and you may not need it all but I know some people prefer more on their salads than others.

Add the avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil to the food processor and blend until smooth. If you want a little kick you can add a slice of jalapeno to the dressing. I like the contrast of spicy with the tangy lemon flavor.

Now it is time to build the salads. Start by adding chopped romaine to the 3 bowls. Portion out the corn, black beans, cheese, tomatoes, tortilla strips, green onion, fresh cilantro and jalapeno to the bowls.

Slice the chicken and add it to the salad. Drizzle with the tangy lime dressing and serve with fresh limes.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is loaded with so many fresh and yummy ingredients but there is always room for a few additions! You can always serve this with a dollop of sour cream, salsa or pico de gallo.

Substitutions And Additions

romaine lettuce- you can use any lettuce that you prefer or even baby spinach if you want extra nutrients.

tortilla strips- I buy the bagged tortilla strips that are good for salads and soups. You can always use crushed tortilla chips or corn chips.

black beans- I prefer black beans but you can use kidney beans, pinto beans or even chick peas.

green onions- green onions have a mild flavor, but feel free to chop up red onion if you prefer.

cotija cheese- is a Mexican crumbling cheese. You can use any kind of cheese that you like. Try Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend.

Storage Recommendations

Store leftovers in and airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days for the freshest results.

Meal Prep- assemble the salads with all ingredients except dressing and tortilla strips. Package those separately so the salad does not get soggy and the chips keep their crunch.

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Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe Here to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!