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Santa Fe Chicken Salad

If you're looking for a **fresh, flavorful, and satisfying salad**, this **Santa Fe Chicken Salad** is the perfect choice! Packed with **spiced grilled chicken, crunchy vegetables, black beans, corn, and a creamy southwest dressing**, this salad delivers **bold Tex-Mex flavors in every bite**.
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Equipment

  • - Grill pan or skillet
  • - Large mixing bowl
  • - Cutting board & knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • #### **For the Chicken**
  • - 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • - 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • - 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • - 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • - 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • - Juice of 1 lime
  • #### **For the Salad**
  • - 6 cups romaine lettuce chopped
  • - 1/2 cup black beans drained and rinsed
  • - 1/2 cup corn fresh, canned, or frozen
  • - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • - 1/2 avocado sliced
  • - 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • - 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or cotija cheese
  • - 1/4 cup tortilla strips optional, for crunch
  • - Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • #### **For the Southwest Dressing**
  • - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • - 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • - 1 teaspoon hot sauce optional
  • - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • - 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • - 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro optional

Instructions
 

  • #### **Step 1: Marinate & Cook the Chicken**
  • In a bowl, mix **olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lime juice**.
  • Coat the chicken and let it marinate for **at least 15 minutes** (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
  • Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for **5-6 minutes per side**, or until **fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/75°C)**.
  • Let the chicken rest for **5 minutes**, then slice into strips.
  • #### **Step 2: Make the Dressing**
  • In a small bowl, whisk together **Greek yogurt, mayo, lime juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and cilantro**.
  • Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • #### **Step 3: Assemble the Salad**
  • In a **large bowl**, combine **romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and red onion**.
  • Add sliced chicken on top.
  • Drizzle with **southwest dressing** and sprinkle with **cheese, tortilla strips, and fresh cilantro**.
  • #### **Step 4: Serve & Enjoy**
  • Toss the salad gently or serve with dressing on the side.
  • Garnish with extra lime wedges for a fresh, zesty kick!