Santa Fe Chicken Salad Bowl (Print-Friendly Version)

Colorful Santa Fe chicken salad with quinoa, beans, veggies, and chipotle honey vinaigrette. Easy and vibrant meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken & Seasoning

01 - 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
03 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
06 - 1/4 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp chipotle powder
08 - 1 tsp olive oil

→ Santa Fe Salad

09 - 6-8 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
10 - 1 cup cooked black beans
11 - 1 cup thawed corn kernels
12 - 1 red bell pepper, chopped
13 - 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
14 - 1 jalapeño, chopped
15 - 2 green onions, chopped
16 - 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
17 - 1/4 cup cooked quinoa
18 - 1 avocado, mashed
19 - 1/3 cup tortilla chips, crumbled

→ Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette

20 - 1 1/2 limes, juiced
21 - 1/3 cup light olive oil
22 - 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo
23 - 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
24 - 1/4 tsp dried oregano
25 - 1/4 tsp salt
26 - 1 garlic clove
27 - 1 tbsp honey
28 - 3 tbsp water
29 - 4 tbsp white vinegar

# Steps:

01 - Mix all chicken seasoning ingredients in a bowl. Pat chicken breasts dry, rub with seasoning mix, and cook in a large skillet with olive oil for 8-10 minutes per side over medium heat until internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Set aside to rest.
02 - Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
03 - While chicken and quinoa are cooking, chop romaine, tomatoes, bell pepper, jalapeño, and green onions. Set aside.
04 - Mash avocado in a medium bowl, add 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tbsp cilantro. Mix well.
05 - In a large salad bowl, combine romaine, chopped vegetables, and guacamole.
06 - Blend all vinaigrette ingredients in a small blender or food processor until smooth. Add water for desired consistency and pulse again.
07 - Pour half of the vinaigrette over the salad. Add cooked quinoa, cotija cheese, and mix well.
08 - Cube cooked chicken and place on top of the salad. Drizzle additional vinaigrette as needed. Serve immediately.
09 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

# Notes:

01 - If preparing ahead, leave out quinoa, cheese, and dressing until just before serving.
02 - Add fresh romaine to leftovers to refresh the salad.