Name: Santa Fe Salad with Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced; 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup sweet corn (cooked or canned); 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 avocado, sliced; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup crispy tortilla strips; Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish); 1/2 cup ranch dressing; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Santa Fe Salad with Chicken combines fresh and nutritious ingredients with bold Southwestern flavors. It’s easy to make, customizable, and filling enough to serve as a main course. The variety of textures and flavors—crisp lettuce, creamy avocado, savory chicken, and crunchy tortilla strips—makes every bite exciting. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prep or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Grilled chicken breast, sliced
Romaine lettuce, chopped
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Black beans, rinsed and drained
Sweet corn, cooked or canned
Red bell pepper, diced
Avocado, sliced
Red onion, thinly sliced
Shredded cheddar cheese
Crispy tortilla strips
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

For the dressing:

Ranch dressing
Lime juice
Chili powder
Cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Season and grill the chicken breasts until fully cooked, then let them rest before slicing.
In a large salad bowl, layer the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, and shredded cheese.
Add the sliced grilled chicken and avocado on top.
In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine, or serve it on the side.
Top with crispy tortilla strips and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken or replace it with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas.
Spicy kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing.
Different protein: Use grilled shrimp or steak instead of chicken for a delicious twist.
Low-carb option: Omit the tortilla strips and corn for a lighter version.
Homemade dressing: Use a chipotle-lime vinaigrette or cilantro-lime dressing for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing and tortilla strips separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness and crunch.
Reheating is not necessary for this salad, but if using leftover grilled chicken, you can warm it slightly before serving.

FAQs

How do I cook the chicken for Santa Fe Salad?

Grill the chicken on medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option and works well in this salad.

What type of lettuce is best?

Romaine lettuce is ideal for its crisp texture, but you can also use iceberg or a spring mix.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance, but store them separately and assemble just before serving.

Is Santa Fe Salad gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free tortilla strips and ensure the dressing ingredients are gluten-free.

What can I use instead of black beans?

You can substitute black beans with kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas.

How do I make the salad spicier?

Add sliced jalapeños, chipotle powder, or hot sauce to the dressing or directly to the salad.

Can I serve this salad warm?

Yes, serving it with warm grilled chicken adds a nice contrast to the cold salad ingredients.

What dressing goes best with this salad?

A Southwestern ranch or chipotle-lime dressing complements the flavors best, but you can use any creamy or zesty dressing you prefer.

Are tortilla strips necessary?

They add a nice crunch, but you can omit them or use crushed tortilla chips as a substitute.

Conclusion

Santa Fe Salad with Chicken is a flavorful, colorful, and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch or a quick dinner, this salad brings together bold Southwestern flavors in every bite. With simple variations and easy prep, it’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

Santa Fe Salad with Chicken

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Santa Fe Salad with Chicken is a hearty and flavorful Southwest-inspired dish, loaded with grilled chicken, fresh veggies, black beans, corn, and crispy tortilla strips, tossed in a zesty ranch-based dressing.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Salad
Method: Grilled
Cuisine: Southwestern
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Season and grill the chicken breasts until fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F), about 6–7 minutes per side. Let rest, then slice.
In a large salad bowl, layer romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Add sliced grilled chicken and avocado on top of the salad.
In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine, or serve it on the side.
Top with crispy tortilla strips and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
Keep dressing and tortilla strips separate if preparing ahead.
Add jalapeños or hot sauce to make it spicier.
Swap black beans with kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas if preferred.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 85mg