If you’re in the mood for a vibrant and satisfying salad that combines a fusion of flavors, look no further than the Santa Fe Chicken Salad with Creamy Chipotle Dressing. This salad is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients, tender chicken, and a creamy chipotle dressing that adds a kick of spice.
With each bite, you’ll experience the bold and spicy essence of the Southwest, as the creamy chipotle dressing tantalizes your taste buds. Get ready to elevate your salad game with this mouthwatering creation that embodies the spirit of Santa Fe’s culinary scene. It’s a perfect balance of freshness, spice, and satisfaction, making it an irresistible choice for any salad lover.
This salad was always a favorite of mine growing up and it still is to this day. Let’s dive into the details and discover how to create this delicious salad!
Vibrant and Flavorful
A Healthy Option
This salad incorporates a variety of vegetables, including salad greens, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and avocado. These vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, providing a good balance of nutrients. The chicken breast used in this recipe is a lean source of protein, essential for muscle maintenance and repair, and it also helps keep you feeling satisfied and full for longer.
The black beans and corn kernels in the salad are excellent sources of dietary fiber. Fiber aids digestion, promotes a healthy gut, and can help control blood sugar levels and manage weight. The inclusion of avocado in the salad provides a source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. These fats can help increase satiety and contribute to a balanced diet.
An Irresistible Taste
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why you’ll love the Santa Fe Chicken Salad with Creamy Chipotle Dressing:
Bursting with Flavor: This salad is a flavor explosion! The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and zesty chipotle dressing creates a harmonious blend of tastes.
Colorful and Vibrant: This salad is visually appealing with its colorful assortment of ingredients. The vibrant greens, reds, yellows, and purples make for an enticing presentation, making it perfect for gatherings or impressing your family and friends.
Versatile and Customizable: The Santa Fe Chicken Salad is highly versatile. You can customize it based on your preferences and ingredient availability. Feel free to add or substitute ingredients such as roasted corn, diced jalapeños, or even crispy tortilla strips for added texture and flavor.
Easy to Prepare: This salad is relatively easy to make, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners or lunches. With minimal cooking involved, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal on the table in no time.
Southwestern Sensation
Pro Tips
Grill Alternatives: If there is no grill, cook chicken on the stovetop or in the oven.
Marinate Chicken: Add flavor by marinating chicken with lime juice, oil, and spices.
Adjust Spice Level: Control heat by adjusting the amount of chipotle pepper.
Customize Salad: Add or substitute veggies and herbs to suit your taste.
Make-Ahead Prep: Grill chicken and chop veggies in advance.
Add Crunch: Top with toasted seeds or crushed tortilla chips for texture.
Double the Dressing: Make extra dressing for drizzling or dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it’s best to dress the salad just before serving to maintain its freshness, you can prepare certain components in advance. Grill the chicken and store it in the refrigerator. Wash and chop the vegetables, keeping them separate until ready to assemble. The dressing can also be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated.
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh. For a vegan version, use plant-based proteins like grilled tofu, tempeh, or vegan chicken alternatives. Omit the cheese or use vegan cheese alternatives, and choose a dairy-free or vegan-friendly dressing.
Yes, you can store the leftovers of the Santa Fe Chicken Salad with Creamy Chipotle Dressing in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
It is not recommended to freeze the Santa Fe Chicken Salad as freezing may affect the texture and freshness of the ingredients. It is best enjoyed fresh and refrigerated for short-term storage.
A Vibrant Salad Creation
Ingredients
Chicken breast, seasoned with taco seasoning
Lettuce
Black beans
Kidney beans
Corn
Avocado
Cherry tomatoes
Cucumber
White cheese
For the Dressing:
Chipotle peppers in adobo
Plain yogurt
White vinegar
Salt
Water
Dried oregano
Dried basil
Olive oil
Honey
Steps to Prep
First, cook your chicken breast in a skillet.
Then, season it with taco seasoning and a bit of oil.
It needs about 15 minutes of cooking, depending on how thick your chicken breast is. You can cut it in half to reduce cooking time.
Alternatively, air fry it at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Next, layer the salad, adding the beans and corn on top of your finely chopped lettuce.
Now, add your cubed tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese, and avocado.
After that, top with the cooked, cooled, and cut chicken.
For the dressing, combine everything in a food processor until creamy and blended. Pour into your salad and enjoy!
Savor the Spice
Must Try Salad Recipes
Mediterranean Style Chicken Salad with Creamy Yogurt Dressing
Arabic Chopped Salad (Salata Arabiyeh)
Cucumber Yogurt Salad | Khiyar Bi Laban
Tabbouli Salad Recipe (Tabbouleh)
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Santa Fe Chicken Salad with Creamy Chipotle Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 chicken breast seasoned with taco seasoning
- 2 cups lettuce cut into small pieces
- ½ cup black beans drained and rinsed
- ½ cup kidney beans drained and rinsed
- ½ cup corn drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado sliced or cubed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber sliced into half moons
- ⅓ cup white cheese crumbled (like queso fresco)
For the Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Cook your chicken breast on a skillet.
- Season it with taco seasoning and a bit of oil.
- It needs about 15 minutes of cooking, depending on how thick your chicken breast is.
- You can cut it in half to reduce cooking time.
- Alternatively, air fry it at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, flipping half way.
- Layer the salad, adding the beans and corn on top of your finely chopped lettuce.
- Add your cubed tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese and avocado.
- Top with the cooked, cooled and cut chicken.
- For the dressing, combine everything in a food processor until creamy and blended.
- Pour onto your salad and enjoy.
Notes
- If no grill, cook chicken on stovetop or in oven.
- Add flavor by marinating chicken with lime juice, oil, and spices.
- Control heat by adjusting chipotle pepper amount.
- Add or substitute veggies and herbs to suit your taste.
- Grill chicken and chop veggies in advance.
I made this salad for dinner and it is delicious. I wish the dressing was creamier but it still tastes great!
This was such a refreshing salad for summer!