Imagine yourself sitting in a cozy booth at Applebee’s, enjoying a delicious Santa Fe Chicken Salad. The combination of crispy greens, tender grilled chicken, zesty pico de gallo, and creamy avocado ranch dressing is a flavor explosion that keeps you coming back for more. Now, you can recreate this iconic dish in the comfort of your own home with this easy-to-follow recipe.
Tastes Just Like the Original
This homemade version of Applebee’s Santa Fe Chicken Salad tastes just like the original, thanks to the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The grilled chicken is seasoned to perfection, the fresh vegetables add a burst of color and crunch, and the creamy dressing ties everything together beautifully.
Reasons to Make This Dish
- It’s a healthier alternative to traditional salads, packed with protein and fresh ingredients.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that will impress your family and friends at any gathering.
- It’s easy to customize to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
Why My Family Loves This Meal
My family loves this meal because it’s a refreshing and satisfying option for lunch or dinner. The combination of flavors and textures keeps everyone coming back for more, and it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into our diet.
Ingredients
- Grilled chicken breast: 2, boneless and skinless
- Romaine lettuce: 1 head, chopped
- Black beans: 1 can, drained and rinsed
- Corn kernels: 1 cup, fresh or frozen
- Pico de gallo: 1 cup
- Avocado: 1, diced
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1/2 cup
- Tortilla strips: 1 cup
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start assembling the salad, make sure to grill the chicken breast until cooked through and slice it into strips. Chop the romaine lettuce, dice the avocado, and prepare the pico de gallo. Drain and rinse the black beans, and thaw the corn kernels if using frozen.
Cutting Techniques
When cutting the ingredients for this salad, make sure to chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, dice the avocado into small cubes, and slice the grilled chicken breast into thin strips. This will ensure that each bite is perfectly balanced with all the flavors and textures.
Kitchen Tools Required
- Grill or grill pan: for cooking the chicken
- Chopping board and knife: for cutting the ingredients
- Mixing bowl: for tossing the salad
- Serving platter: for presenting the salad
Temperature and Timing Guide
Grill the chicken breast over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.
Common Issues and Solutions
- If the chicken is dry, try marinating it in a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, and spices before grilling.
- If the salad is too bland, adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice.
- If the salad is too watery, make sure to drain the black beans and pico de gallo well before adding them to the salad.
Instructions
- Grill the chicken: Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Grill over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Allow to rest before slicing into strips.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, black beans, corn kernels, pico de gallo, diced avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese. Toss gently to combine.
- Add the chicken: Arrange the grilled chicken strips on top of the salad mixture.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle tortilla strips over the salad and drizzle with your favorite dressing, such as avocado ranch or cilantro lime dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve perfect results with this Santa Fe Chicken Salad, make sure to season the chicken well before grilling, and toss the salad gently to avoid crushing the ingredients. Serve the salad immediately after assembling to keep it fresh and crisp.
Alternative Ways to Change the Recipe
- Swap the grilled chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or jalapenos for an extra kick of flavor.
- Top the salad with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for added creaminess.
Final Thoughts
Applebee’s Santa Fe Chicken Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that you can easily recreate at home with this recipe. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch option or a crowd-pleasing dinner, this salad has everything you need to satisfy your cravings. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a taste of Applebee’s in your own kitchen!
