Santa Fe Salad
A vibrant and smoky salad featuring roasted corn, black beans, and a zesty dressing, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 6 cups Romaine and mixed greens Crisp base with just enough bite.
- 1 can Black beans, drained Hearty and protein-rich; rinse to reduce sodium.
- 1 cup Fresh or frozen corn Roast until charred for smoky sweetness.
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved Juicy bursts of acid.
- 1 Avocado, sliced Adds creamy richness.
- 1/4 cup Red onion, thinly sliced Bright, sharp note.
- 1/3 cup Queso fresco or cotija, crumbled Salty, crumbly finish; nutritional yeast as a dairy-free substitute.
- 1 cup Tortilla strips or baked tortilla chips For irresistible crunch.
- 1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped Herbaceous lift; swap with parsley if preferred.
- 2 Grilled chicken breasts, sliced Or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian swap.
Dressing
- 1/3 cup Olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon Honey or agave
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse and spin-dry the greens, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the avocado and red onion, and chop the cilantro.
Cooking
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin; grill or pan-sear for 4-5 minutes per side until juicy and golden. Rest and slice thin.
- Char the corn in a hot skillet or under a broiler until it gets dark, smoky spots.
Dressing
- Whisk olive oil, lime juice, honey or agave, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Assembly
- In a large bowl, toss the greens with half the dressing.
- Layer on black beans, charred corn, tomatoes, sliced chicken, avocado, and red onion.
- Crumble queso fresco on top and scatter tortilla strips for crunch.
Finish
- Drizzle remaining dressing and sprinkle chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.
Notes
Store components separately for up to 3 days. Assemble just before serving to avoid soggy tortilla strips and browning avocado. Freezing is not recommended for the assembled salad.