Best Santa Fe Salad Recipes

SANTA FE RICE SALAD

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.

SANTA FE CHICKEN SALAD

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

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.

SANTA FE CHICKEN SALAD (APPLEBEE'S)

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.

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY® SANTA FE SALAD

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.

SANTA FE PASTA SALAD

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.