Layered Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipes

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.

LAYERED CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• In a 3-qt. glass bowl, layer 1-1/2 cups chicken and the lettuce. Combine rice, peas and parsley; spoon over lettuce. Layer with tomatoes, cucumber, peppers and remaining chicken. Combine the first 10 dressing ingredients; spoon over salad. Garnish with red pepper and parsley if desired. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hour or overnight. Toss before serving.

LAYERED SANTA FE CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Cover platter with salad greens.
• Top with chicken, corn, tomatoes, beans, cilantro and onions; sprinkle with cheese.
• Drizzle with dressing, then salsa.

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.