Best 8 Santa Fe Salad Recipes

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**Santa Fe Salad: A Culinary Journey Through the Flavors of the Southwest**

Awaken your taste buds to the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with the Santa Fe salad, a delightful dish that captures the essence of New Mexican cuisine. This tantalizing salad bursts with an array of textures and colors, featuring tender grilled chicken, roasted corn, black beans, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce. The harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and smoky notes is further enhanced by a zesty dressing made with lime juice, chili powder, and cumin. With three variations to choose from, including a vegetarian option, this recipe offers a culinary adventure that caters to diverse preferences. Whether you're seeking a quick and easy lunch or a flavorful addition to your next potluck gathering, the Santa Fe salad promises to transport your taste buds to the heart of the Southwest.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SANTA FE CHICKEN SALAD



Santa Fe Chicken Salad image

This Santa Fe chicken salad recipe from Delish.com gives taco salad a run for it's money.

Categories     Santa Fe Chicken Salad     chicken salad     taco salad     Mexican salad     easy salad recipe

Time 30m

Yield 3-4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil
pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 c. lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
3 tbsp. vegetable oil, divided
2 small corn tortillas
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 c. chopped romaine lettuce
1 c. black beans, drained
1 avocado, chopped
2/3 c. corn
1 c. Shredded Monterey Jack
1/4 c. Chopped cilantro

Steps:

  • Make dressing/marinade. Whisk together olive oil, red pepper flakes, lime juice, garlic and cumin until emulsified.
  • Place chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour about half of the lime dressing over the chicken, close bag and toss chicken to coat.
  • Marinate 15 minutes. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cut tortillas in half, then slice the halves into ½"-thick strips. When the oil is shimmering and very hot, add the strips to the oil. Fry until crispy, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and season immediately with salt.
  • In a separate skillet, heat remaining vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  • Assemble salad. Toss remaining ingredients in a large serving bowl. Top with cooked chicken and crispy tortilla strips then toss with dressing.

SANTA FE SALAD



Santa Fe Salad image

Crisp colourful veggies and beans are tossed together with some serious flavour from Jalapeño peppers, lime, cilantro and cumin!

Provided by Laureen King

Categories     Salad     Side Dish

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/4 cup olive oil
2 juice of 2 limes
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp salt and pepper (about 1/4 tsp each, or to taste)
1 can (19oz) can black beans (rinsed and drained)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 can (12oz) kernel corn (I used fresh cooked corn from cob)
1 jalapeño pepper (seeded and finely diced)

Steps:

  • In small jar mix together oil and lime juice.
  • Add cilantro, cumin, salt and pepper and shake well.
  • Mix together black beans, red pepper, onion, corn and jalapeño pepper.
  • Toss together dressing and salad ingredients.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 101 kcal, Carbohydrate 5 g, Fat 9 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 125 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 2 g, ServingSize 1 serving

SANTA FE RICE SALAD



Santa Fe Rice Salad image

Great black bean and rice salad!

Provided by GOJAGUARS

Categories     Salad     Grains     Rice Salad Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

⅔ cup uncooked white rice
1 ⅓ cups water
¾ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 large tomato, seeded and diced
¾ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
⅓ cup sliced green onions
⅓ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup vinegar
1 tablespoon diced jalapeno peppers
½ teaspoon white sugar
salt to taste
1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced

Steps:

  • In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add rice and stir. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and chill.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the rice, beans, tomato, cheese and green onion.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, peppers, sugar and salt. Pour over the rice mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate salad for 30 minutes. Top with avocado just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 334.3 calories, Carbohydrate 27.4 g, Cholesterol 14.8 mg, Fat 22 g, Fiber 5.1 g, Protein 8 g, SaturatedFat 5.7 g, Sodium 232.2 mg, Sugar 1.6 g

SANTA FE SALAD



Santa Fe Salad image

From Newport News, Virginia, Gail Park shares a colorful stand-alone salad that her family simply loves. "People always ask for the recipe when I bring it to a potlucks," she adds. "The zippy dressing and mix of crunchy veggies with beans is a winning combination!"

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

2-1/2 cups cut fresh green beans
1 cup minced fresh cilantro
1/4 cup fat-free sour cream
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash cayenne pepper
2 cups frozen corn, thawed
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 small sweet red pepper, finely chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Place green beans in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil; cover and cook for 3-5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and immediately place beans in ice water. Drain and pat dry. , For dressing, in a small bowl, combine the cilantro, sour cream, lime juice, vinegar, garlic, cumin, salt and cayenne. , In a large bowl, combine the green beans, corn, pinto beans, black beans, red pepper, onion, chilies and olives. Sprinkle with cheese. Pour dressing over salad; toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 151 calories, Fat 2g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 374mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SANTA FE STYLE SALAD



Santa Fe Style Salad image

My sister tuned me into this easy salad. It is so yummy and you can change it up to whatever you have on hand. The dressing is what really makes it, and it is so easy.

Provided by Chef Lindsay

Categories     Black Beans

Time 20m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
1 avocado, chopped
1 tomatoes, chopped
3 green onions, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
1 cup shredded colby-monterey jack cheese
3 cooked chicken breasts (rotisserie works or sometimes I George Forman them, chopped or shredded)
jicama (optional)
cilantro, chopped (optional)
corn tortilla strips (optional)
1 cup ranch dressing
1 cup barbecue sauce

Steps:

  • Wash all veggies and mix together in a large bowl with all the other ingredients.
  • Mix ranch dressing with barbecue sauce. It doesn't matter how much you make, as long as it is a 1 to 1 ratio. This is the dressing.
  • Garnish with cilantro and/or tortilla strips. I have found them already made at the grocery store, or you can make your own.
  • I like to put a little of the dressing mixed in with the chicken and then have the rest separate and each person can put on the desired amount.

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY® SANTA FE SALAD



The Cheesecake Factory® Santa Fe Salad image

A Southwestern tangy salad that happens to be my absolute favorite.

Provided by lolsmagrl

Categories     Salad

Time 1h54m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 19

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
½ cup teriyaki marinade
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon lime zest
½ cup olive oil
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 (5 inch) corn tortillas, cut into strips
2 teaspoons olive oil, or to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (16 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Steps:

  • Combine chicken breasts and teriyaki marinade in a large resealable plastic bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  • Combine cilantro, peanut butter, red wine vinegar, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and lime zest in a food processor; blend well. Pour in 1/2 cup olive oil slowly and blend until dressing is smooth. Add pepper; blend again.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread corn tortilla strips on a baking sheet; drizzle 2 teaspoons olive oil on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until crispy, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts; cook until browned, 7 to 10 minutes per side. Cool until easily handled, about 5 minutes. Slice into thin strips.
  • Toss corn, black beans, and romaine lettuce together in a large bowl. Top with Monterey Jack cheese, chicken, and tortilla strips. Pour dressing over salad.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 975.8 calories, Carbohydrate 67.1 g, Cholesterol 102.3 mg, Fat 59.1 g, Fiber 13.2 g, Protein 49.8 g, SaturatedFat 15.3 g, Sodium 2101 mg, Sugar 19.6 g

SANTA FE PASTA SALAD



Santa Fe Pasta Salad image

With Southwestern-style dressing, corn, peppers and fresh cilantro, this is an addicting, refreshing, chicken meal. This cold Santa Fe Pasta chicken salad, is one of my favorites on a long list of pasta side dishes. (Excellent with leftover turkey too.)

Provided by amigamaria May

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 35m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 (16 ounce) package rotini pasta
4 1/2 quarts water
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup cooked corn kernel
1/3 cup chopped cilantro, leaves-no stems
1/4 cup chopped green onion
2 tablespoons diced red bell peppers
2 tablespoons diced green bell peppers
1 whole chicken breast, cooked and diced (Prepare chicken in your favorite manner I use a pressure Cooker. Cooking a whole chicken)
1 1/4 cups V8 vegetable juice
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
3/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Prepare the pasta by bringing water to a rolling boil in a large saucepan.
  • Add pasta to the pan, and when water begins to boil again, cook for 8-11 minutes.
  • Pasta should be al dente, or mostly tender but with a slight toughness in the middle.
  • Whisk all of the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.
  • Cover and chill the dressing until you're ready to use it.
  • When pasta is done, pour it into a large bowl.
  • Add the dressing and toss.
  • Add the remaining ingredients to the pasta, and toss until combined.
  • Cover and chill for several hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 343.8, Fat 8.8, SaturatedFat 2.6, Cholesterol 28.7, Sodium 385.6, Carbohydrate 47.6, Fiber 2.8, Sugar 2.6, Protein 18.1

SANTA FE CHICKEN SALAD (APPLEBEE'S)



Santa Fe Chicken Salad (Applebee's) image

Do not let the list of ingredients keep you from making this salad. Most of the ingredients are for the marinade and salsa which should be made the day before and refrigerated. The remaining ingredients are the salad and side items. It is super quick to throw together the next day and tastes awesome. The tequila-lime chicken is outstanding on its own and you may want to make extra Pico de Gallo to keep in the fridge. I have adapted this recipe from a former Applebee's employee. The recipe is scaled down for one serving, so adjust for more servings. Cooktime is marinade time.

Provided by NcMysteryShopper

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 12h15m

Yield 1 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 26

2 tablespoons gold tequila
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
1 teaspoon fajita seasoning mix
3/4 teaspoon minced fresh jalapeno pepper (seeded)
3/4 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 boneless chicken breasts, skin on or 1 boneless skinless chicken breast
1 small tomatoes, diced
1/2 small onion, diced
1 -2 teaspoon diced jalapeno (we like more!)
1/8 cup fresh cilantro (diced)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon white vinegar
3 tablespoons ranch dressing (they use Naturally Fresh brand lo-fat)
tortilla chips (multi-colored or regular) or corn tortilla strips (multi-colored or regular)
chopped scallion, sprinkled on top
1 ounce sour cream (ramekin at 9 o'clock)
1 ounce guacamole (ramekin at 3 o'clock)
2 ounces pico de gallo, recipe above (ramekin at 12 o'clock)
3 -4 cups torn salad greens
1/8-1/4 cup shredded monterey jack cheese or 1/8-1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Combine marinade ingredients in a container with lid. Add Chicken and place in refrigerator overnight.
  • Combine Pico de Gallo ingredients in a small bowl with lid and place in refrigerator overnight with chicken.
  • Remove chicken from marinade and sprinkle with fajita seasoning. Grill skin-side down for about 5 minutes, turn and continue to grill for about 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. I use my George Forman grill with fantastic results (about 7 minutes).
  • While the chicken is grilling combine ranch dressing with 2 Tablespoons of the Pico de Gallo. Set Aside.
  • Prepare Garnishes.
  • Toss salad greens with cheese and remaining Pico de Gallo (or less - to taste). Sprinkle with fried tortilla strips or lightly crushed tortilla chips.
  • Cut chicken into strips and place on top of greens. Add Garnishes to plate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 717.9, Fat 51.9, SaturatedFat 14.3, Cholesterol 135.8, Sodium 2352.1, Carbohydrate 27.1, Fiber 5.6, Sugar 11.5, Protein 39.7

Tips:

  • Choose ripe, flavorful ingredients. This will ensure that your salad is packed with flavor.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. There are many variations of Santa Fe salad, so feel free to add or remove ingredients to suit your taste.
  • Make sure to use a good quality dressing. The dressing is what really brings the salad together, so make sure to use a dressing that you enjoy.
  • Serve the salad immediately. Santa Fe salad is best served fresh, so don't let it sit for too long before eating.

Conclusion:

Santa Fe salad is a delicious and refreshing salad that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. With its vibrant flavors and colors, Santa Fe salad is sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering.

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