Print

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.

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

Instructions

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

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/santa-fe-salad-with-chicken/