Southwest Chicken Salad Delight

This Santa Fe salad has become my family's favorite weeknight dinner solution when we crave something fresh yet satisfying. The combination of Southwest flavors with tender chicken and creamy dressing creates a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

I first created this recipe when trying to recreate our favorite restaurant salad and now my husband requests it weekly. The combination of spices brings me back to our trip through New Mexico where we fell in love with Southwest cuisine.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provides lean protein and takes on the Southwest spices beautifully. Look for even sized pieces for consistent cooking.
• Chili powder and cumin: Create that authentic Santa Fe flavor profile. Fresh spices will give you the most vibrant taste.
• Romaine lettuce: Offers the perfect crisp foundation. Choose hearts that are firm and fresh.
• Avocado: Adds creamy richness and healthy fats. Select ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure.
• Corn: Brings sweet pops of flavor and sunny color. Fresh grilled corn can be substituted in summer months.
• Roma tomatoes: Provide juicy freshness. Choose ripe but firm tomatoes for best texture.
• Cilantro: Gives bright, herbaceous notes. If you're not a cilantro fan, substitute with parsley.
• Tortilla strips: Add essential crunch. Store bought works perfectly but homemade adds extra flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the dressing. Choose a quality brand for best results.
• Lime juice: Brightens the dressing with necessary acidity. Fresh squeezed makes a noticeable difference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the chicken:

Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets that cook quickly and evenly. This technique ensures tender chicken that cooks in half the time of whole breasts.

Season generously:

Combine cumin and chili powder then apply liberally to both sides of the chicken. This dry rub creates a flavorful crust that seals in moisture and adds that signature Southwest taste.

Cook with care:

Heat oil until shimmering before adding chicken. The covered cooking method keeps the chicken incredibly juicy while the medium high heat develops a beautiful sear. Always let the chicken rest before slicing to retain all those flavorful juices.

Make the dressing:

Combine all dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy. The consistency should coat the back of a spoon but still pour easily. Adjust with water as needed for your perfect texture.

Assemble thoughtfully:

Add ingredients to the bowl in layers with heavier items at the bottom. This prevents delicate ingredients like avocado from getting crushed during tossing.

Dress and finish:

Add dressing just before serving and toss gently to coat each ingredient. The tortilla strips should be added last to maintain their crunch.

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The spice blend on the chicken is what makes this salad truly special. My grandmother taught me that toasting spices before applying them intensifies their flavor even more. Sometimes I toast the cumin seeds whole and then grind them fresh for an incredible aromatic quality.

Make Ahead Tips

This Santa Fe salad can be prepared in components for easy assembly throughout the week. Cook the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate for up to three days. The dressing will keep beautifully in a sealed container for up to five days, actually improving in flavor as it sits. Chop vegetables except avocado the day before and store in separate containers with a paper towel to absorb moisture. When ready to eat, simply assemble your salad with freshly sliced avocado and add the dressing right before serving for maximum freshness.

Customization Options

This versatile salad welcomes many delicious variations. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with black beans or grilled tofu seasoned with the same spice blend. Grilled shrimp makes an excellent seafood alternative. For added texture and nutrition, consider incorporating black beans, diced bell peppers, or sliced radishes. The dressing can be lightened by substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. For a dairy option, sprinkle with crumbled cotija or queso fresco before serving. Each variation maintains the Santa Fe spirit while allowing you to customize based on dietary needs or what you have available.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this vibrant salad as a complete meal or as part of a larger Southwestern feast. For a beautiful presentation, arrange components in sections on a large platter before tossing. Warm flour or corn tortillas on the side allow guests to create impromptu wraps with the salad fillings. For entertaining, set up a Santa Fe salad bar where guests can build their own bowl with varying levels of spice and toppings. This salad pairs wonderfully with a chilled Mexican lager or a sparkling water with lime. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a cup of black bean soup or grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter.

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Enjoy this Santa Fe salad as a vibrant, fresh meal you'll make again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

Yes, you can cook and slice the chicken up to 2 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and add it to the salad just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?

Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for a lighter option. You may need to add a bit more lime juice or water to achieve the desired consistency.

→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Prepare the components separately and store them in individual containers. Keep the dressing separate and assemble just before eating to maintain freshness and crunch.

→ How can I make this salad vegetarian?

Substitute the chicken with black beans or roasted sweet potatoes. Both options provide protein and complement the Southwest flavors beautifully.

→ What can I use instead of tortilla strips?

Crushed tortilla chips, toasted pumpkin seeds, or crispy fried onions all make delicious alternatives that add a satisfying crunch to the salad.

→ How spicy is this salad?

This salad is mildly spiced with a flavor-forward profile rather than heat. Adjust the chili powder amount to increase or decrease spiciness according to preference.