If you’re craving a burst of fresh flavors, this Refreshing Santa Fe Salad with Cilantro Lime Peanut Vinaigrette is just what you need. Crisp veggies, hearty beans, and creamy avocado come together in a delightful mix that’s both satisfying and nourishing. The star of the show is the zesty vinaigrette, infusing each bite with a hint of lime and the unique twist of peanuts. Perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish, this salad will definitely add some zest to your meal routine.
Steps
- In a food processor, combine the garlic, cilantro, peanut butter, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, lime juice, lime zest, and sesame oil. Gradually add the olive oil while blending until the dressing is smooth. Season with freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
- Place the chicken breasts in a plastic bag or bowl and pour in the teriyaki marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least one hour to absorb the flavors.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 7-10 minutes on each side, ensuring the juices run clear. Allow the chicken to cool before slicing it into thin strips.
- While the chicken is cooking, rinse and dry the lettuce, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the lettuce with cilantro, corn, beans, and diced tomatoes.
- Divide the salad mixture evenly onto four plates. Top each salad with slices of cooked chicken, followed by grated Monterrey Jack cheese and tortilla strips.
- Drizzle the cilantro-lime-peanut vinaigrette over each salad. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper before serving.
Ingredients
- Lime-Peanut Vinaigrette:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup teriyaki marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 head of romaine or leaf lettuce
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1 (15 oz.) can of black beans, rinsed
- 1 (16 oz.) can of whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, stems removed
- 1 1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups toasted corn tortilla strips
- Lime-Peanut Vinaigrette Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest (approximately the zest of one lime)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
FAQ
- What is the key feature of the Santa Fe salad recipe?
- The standout feature of this Santa Fe salad is its cilantro-lime-peanut vinaigrette, which combines peanut butter, lime, cilantro, and sesame oil for a delightful dressing.
- Can the vinaigrette be used for other purposes?
- Yes, the cilantro-lime-peanut vinaigrette can be made in a double batch and used as a marinade or sauce in other recipes.
- How should the chicken be prepared for this salad?
- The chicken should be marinated in teriyaki sauce for at least an hour, cooked in a skillet until juices run clear, and then sliced into thin strips to top the salad.
- What are the main ingredients in the salad besides the chicken?
- Apart from the chicken, the salad includes romaine or leaf lettuce, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, fresh cilantro, Monterrey Jack cheese, and toasted corn tortilla strips.
- How is the vinaigrette prepared?
- To prepare the vinaigrette, blend cilantro, peanut butter, garlic, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, lime juice, lime zest, and sesame oil in a food processor. Then, gradually add olive oil and blend until the mixture is smooth.
Tips
- Marinate the chicken for at least an hour to ensure it absorbs the teriyaki flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
- When making the vinaigrette, gradually incorporate the olive oil into the other ingredients in the food processor for a smoother consistency.
- Consider making extra vinaigrette to use as a marinade or sauce in future meals, as it adds a delightful flavor to various dishes.
- Toast the corn tortilla strips before adding them to the salad for an extra crunch and enhanced flavor.
Equipment
- Lime-Peanut Vinaigrette that you might not normally have at home and may need to purchase:
- Food Processor – for mixing the vinaigrette ingredients until smooth.
- Skillet – for cooking the chicken breasts.
