Looking for a flavorful and refreshing salad that’s perfect for summer days or a light dinner option? Introducing our delicious Santa Fe Chopped Chicken Salad recipe. This colorful and hearty salad is a wonderful combination of protein-rich chicken, crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, and a zesty cilantro lime dressing that will tantalize your taste buds. Packed with Southwest flavors and vibrant colors, this salad is sure to become a family favorite in no time!
Santa Fe Chopped Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 orange bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 avocado, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips, for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Once rested, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the black beans, corn, red and orange bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro.
4. Add the chopped chicken to the bowl and toss everything together gently to mix the ingredients.
5. Drizzle the cilantro lime dressing over the salad and toss again to coat everything evenly.
6. Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese, tortilla strips, or crushed tortilla chips for added flavor and crunch.
7. Serve the Santa Fe Chopped Chicken Salad immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite!
This Santa Fe Chopped Chicken Salad is not only tasty but also a complete meal in itself. The combination of tender grilled chicken, creamy avocado, sweet corn, and savory black beans creates a delightful medley of textures and flavors that will satisfy your cravings while keeping you light and energized. Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite ingredients or adjust the spice level to suit your palate.
Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, looking for a quick and healthy lunch option, or simply craving a salad that’s both satisfying and delicious, this Santa Fe Chopped Chicken Salad is a sure winner. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and treat yourself to a delightful culinary experience that will bring a taste of Santa Fe right to your own kitchen. Enjoy!
