If you are looking for a refreshing, satisfying salad that brings bold flavors to your plate, the Santa Fe Salad with Chicken is the answer. This recipe combines fresh vegetables, tender grilled chicken, and a tangy dressing, making it an ideal choice for lunch or dinner. In this article, we’ll explore the recipe, highlight its variations, and show you how to make this Mexican-inspired dish at home.
What Is a Santa Fe Salad with Chicken?
The Santa Fe Salad with Chicken is a popular dish often found at restaurants like Cheesecake Factory and Applebee’s. It’s a southwestern-inspired salad that features a colorful mix of greens, grilled chicken, black beans, corn, cheese, and a range of flavorful toppings. The dish is typically served with a zesty dressing that adds the finishing touch, giving it a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and spice.
Whether you’re preparing the Cheesecake Factory Santa Fe Salad Recipe or an Applebee’s Santa Fe Chicken Salad, this recipe can be customized based on your preferences. Its versatility makes it a great option for different tastes and dietary needs.
Key Ingredients for Santa Fe Salad with Chicken Recipe
To create a fantastic Santa Fe Salad with Chicken, the key ingredients include:
- Grilled Chicken Breast: The chicken is the star of this salad, and grilling it enhances its flavor. Seasoned with Southwest Chicken Seasoning, the chicken will have a smoky, spicy profile.
- Greens: A mix of fresh greens like Romaine lettuce, spinach, and arugula provides a crisp base for the salad.
- Black Beans: These legumes add a rich, earthy flavor and a dose of fiber to the dish.
- Corn: Sweet corn kernels provide a burst of sweetness and texture.
- Cheese: Cheddar or a Mexican blend of cheeses complements the other ingredients and adds richness.
- Tortilla Strips: Crunchy tortilla strips or strips of tortilla chips offer a satisfying texture contrast.
- Avocado: Sliced avocado brings a creamy element that balances the spiciness of the Southwest seasoning.
- Dressing: A tangy dressing, such as a cilantro-lime vinaigrette or a ranch-style dressing, is often used to bring all the flavors together.
These ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of flavors that make the Santa Fe Salad a crowd favorite.
Santa Fe Salad with Chicken Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the recipe itself. Here’s how you can make a Santa Fe Salad with Chicken at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Southwest Chicken Seasoning
- 4 cups mixed greens (Romaine, spinach, arugula)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup tortilla strips (or crumbled tortilla chips)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil for grilling
- Dressing: cilantro-lime vinaigrette or ranch-style dressing
Instructions:
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Rub the chicken breasts with the Southwest Chicken Seasoning. You can also sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper to taste.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Prepare the Salad Base:
- In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens (Romaine, spinach, arugula).
- Add the black beans and corn to the bowl. These ingredients are not only flavorful but also provide extra protein and fiber.
- Add Cheese and Toppings:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese blend over the salad, and then top with slices of avocado.
- Add the tortilla strips or crumbled tortilla chips for a crunchy texture.
- Assemble and Dress the Salad:
- Arrange the grilled chicken strips on top of the salad.
- Drizzle with cilantro-lime vinaigrette or your favorite dressing.
- Toss the salad gently to combine, ensuring the dressing is well distributed.
- Serve:
- Serve the salad immediately for the best taste and texture. The balance of flavors, from the smoky chicken to the creamy avocado and crunchy tortilla strips, will make each bite a delight.
Variations of the Santa Fe Salad
While the classic Santa Fe Salad with Chicken is always a winner, there are various ways to modify the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some popular variations:
- Applebee’s Santa Fe Chicken Salad:
- Applebee’s version of the Santa Fe Chicken Salad includes ingredients like honey-lime dressing and additional toppings such as Pico de Gallo or jalapeños for an added kick.
- You can replicate this by adding more tomatoes, bell peppers, and a slightly sweeter dressing to enhance the salad’s tangy profile.
- Cheesecake Factory Santa Fe Salad Recipe:
- The Cheesecake Factory version typically includes a larger serving of chicken and may also feature additional vegetables such as bell peppers or cucumbers. The dressing is often a ranch or cilantro-lime vinaigrette with a creamy texture.
- For an extra touch, you can add some crispy bacon bits for additional flavor.
- Southwestern Chicken Salad:
- If you prefer a slightly different twist, opt for a Southwestern Chicken Salad by including more chili peppers, red onions, and a creamy dressing made with avocado or sour cream.
- Spanish Chicken Salad:
- A Spanish Chicken Salad variation can include ingredients like olives, red onions, and a blend of Spanish spices such as paprika and cumin. For extra authenticity, you can use Spanish manchego cheese instead of Mexican cheese.
- Mexican Chicken Salad:
- This variation typically uses a variety of Mexican ingredients, including salsa, sour cream, and even crushed tortilla chips for crunch. The chicken is often seasoned with a blend of Mexican spices like cumin, coriander, and chili powder.
Health Benefits of Santa Fe Salad with Chicken
The Santa Fe Salad with Chicken is not only a delicious dish but also offers a range of health benefits. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this salad a nutritious choice:
- Protein:
- Grilled chicken provides lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
- The black beans also contribute protein, making the salad a filling and balanced meal.
- Healthy Fats:
- Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and help keep you feeling full longer.
- Fiber:
- Both black beans and corn are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain a healthy weight.
- Vitamins and Minerals:
- The mixed greens provide a variety of vitamins such as Vitamin A, C, and K. The corn and black beans contribute essential minerals like magnesium and potassium.
Why You Should Make Santa Fe Salad with Chicken at Home
Making Santa Fe Salad with Chicken at home has several advantages. First, you can control the ingredients, ensuring that you are using fresh, high-quality produce. You can also customize the recipe to fit your taste by adding or omitting specific toppings or using a different dressing.
Another benefit of making this salad yourself is that it is an affordable and quick meal option. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just preparing lunch for yourself, this salad can be ready in under 30 minutes.
Conclusion
The Santa Fe Salad with Chicken is a flavorful, healthy, and satisfying dish that brings the tastes of the Southwest right to your kitchen. Whether you’re trying the Cheesecake Factory Santa Fe Salad Recipe, an Applebee’s Santa Fe Chicken Salad, or a simple homemade version, this salad is versatile and customizable to suit various tastes.
Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats, this dish makes a great option for lunch or dinner. The variety of toppings, seasonings, and dressings allows you to explore different flavors and textures, ensuring that every bite is exciting.
So, if you’re in the mood for a zesty, satisfying salad, try making the Santa Fe Salad with Chicken at home, and enjoy the delicious flavors of the Southwest!
