Grilled Santa Fe Chicken Salad with Crunchy Tortilla Crispies

Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe

Total Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: < 60 Minutes
Keywords: Chicken Salad, Santa Fe Chicken Salad, Grilled Chicken Salad, Fresh Salad, Tortilla Crispies, Ranch Salsa Dressing

This Santa Fe Chicken Salad recipe is a delightful and refreshing dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner. With grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and crunchy tortilla crispies, all topped with a creamy ranch salsa dressing, it’s a guaranteed hit for both family meals and entertaining guests. The salad is composed on individual plates, making it easy to serve and enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful meal or simply craving something light yet filling, this dish is a must-try!

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   In a gallon-sized plastic bag or a 9×9 baking dish, combine the mayonnaise and Italian dressing. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the mixture and ensure they are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator overnight for optimal flavor.

2. Prepare the Lettuce
   While the chicken marinates, take the iceberg lettuce and romaine lettuce, chop them into bite-sized pieces, and wash and dry them thoroughly. Divide the lettuce between four dinner-sized plates, creating a base for your salad.

3. Add Vegetables
   Slice the tomatoes and chop the green onions. Evenly distribute the tomato slices and green onion pieces over the lettuce on each plate. These fresh ingredients will add vibrant color and flavor to the salad.

4. Sprinkle the Cheese
   Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese blend over each plate, ensuring a generous topping of cheese on the salad.

5. Cook the Chicken
   After marinating, remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and grill or broil them until they are fully cooked through. This should take about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Once cooked, remove from the grill or broiler and allow to rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

6. Make the Tortilla Crispies
   While the chicken is cooking, prepare the tortilla crispies. Cut the flour tortillas into three thick strips, and then cut each strip into matchstick-sized pieces. Spread the tortilla pieces out on a cookie sheet and place them under the broiler. Broil until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Once they are crispy, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool.

7. Assemble the Salad
   Once the chicken has rested and the tortilla crispies are cooled, slice the chicken into thin strips. Arrange the chicken slices on top of the lettuce and vegetable mixture on each plate. Then, sprinkle the crispy tortilla pieces over the salad, adding an extra layer of crunch and flavor.

8. Prepare the Dressing
   For the dressing, combine the salsa and ranch dressing in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. The ranch dressing will add a tangy richness, while the salsa provides a fresh, zesty flavor that perfectly complements the ingredients.

9. Serve and Enjoy
   Pour the prepared ranch salsa dressing over each salad, using as much or as little as you prefer. The creamy dressing ties all the ingredients together, making each bite a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Serve immediately, and enjoy your delicious Santa Fe Chicken Salad!

This Santa Fe Chicken Salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the taste buds. The balance of fresh vegetables, tender grilled chicken, crunchy tortilla crispies, and the flavorful ranch salsa dressing makes this dish a standout. It’s a fun and customizable recipe that you can make ahead of time, allowing for more time to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or as a light lunch, this salad will surely satisfy your hunger and leave you craving more!

Pro Tip: If you’re looking to make the salad even more hearty, try adding some black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.