Are you looking for a healthy and satisfying meal option for lunch or dinner? Look no further than the 1 salad (350 g) Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken, which packs just 283 calories. This salad is the perfect combination of flavor and nutrition, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet.
In addition to being low in calories, this salad also offers a range of essential nutrients. It contains 28 grams of protein, 15 grams of carbohydrates, and 12 grams of fat. It's a great source of vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to boost their overall health.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken, including its ingredients, preparation process, and health benefits. We'll also explore some practical tips and strategies for incorporating this salad into your diet.
Calories and Nutrition Facts
As mentioned earlier, the Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken contains just 283 calories. But it's not just low in calories - it's also packed with essential nutrients. Here's a closer look at the nutrition facts: • Protein: 28 grams • Carbohydrates: 15 grams
• Fat: 12 grams
• Vitamins A and C: 45% and 100% of the daily recommended value, respectively
• Calcium: 10% of the daily recommended value
• Iron: 15% of the daily recommended value
Ingredients List
To make the Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken, you'll need the following ingredients: • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1/4 cup black beans
• 1/4 cup corn
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup red onion
• 1/2 avocado
• 2 cups mixed greens
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients can be adjusted to suit your preferences. For example, you can add more or less cheese or swap out the avocado for another type of vegetable. The key is to keep the overall calorie count in mind so that you don't end up with a salad that's too high in calories.
Preparation Process
To make the Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken, follow these steps: 1. Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
2. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
3. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
4. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
5. Assemble the salad by tossing together the mixed greens, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, and red onion in a large bowl.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice and toss to combine.
7. Top the salad with the sliced chicken and avocado. This salad can be prepared in advance and assembled just before serving. You can also double the recipe to make enough for meal prep throughout the week.
Flavors and Taste
The Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken is bursting with flavor, thanks to its combination of fresh vegetables, zesty spices, and juicy chicken. The black beans and corn add a touch of sweetness, while the lime juice and chili powder give the salad a tangy kick. The cheddar cheese and avocado add creaminess and richness, rounding out the dish perfectly.
Health Benefits
The Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken is a nutritious meal option that offers a range of health benefits. Here are just a few: • Promotes weight loss: With just 283 calories and an impressive 28 grams of protein, this salad is an excellent choice for anyone looking to lose weight or maintain their current weight.
• Boosts energy levels: The protein and complex carbohydrates in this salad provide sustained energy throughout the day, helping you stay focused and alert.
• Strengthens bones: The calcium and vitamin D in the salad are important for maintaining strong bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
• Boosts immune system: The vitamin C in the salad helps strengthen the immune system, which can help protect against illness.
Portion Control
While the Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken is a healthy and nutritious meal option, it's still important to practice portion control. To avoid overeating, it's best to stick to one serving size, which is 1 salad (350 g) in this case. You can also pair the salad with some whole grain bread or a piece of fruit to round out your meal.
Suitable for Weight Loss
The Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken is an excellent choice for anyone looking to lose weight or maintain their current weight. With just 283 calories and an impressive 28 grams of protein, this salad is filling and satisfying, making it easier to avoid snacking or overeating later in the day. It's also high in fiber, which helps keep you feeling full for longer periods of time.
Ideal for Lunch or Dinner
The Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken is a great meal option for lunch or dinner. It's quick and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. Plus, it's packed with nutrition, making it an excellent way to fuel your body and stay healthy.
Variations and Additions
While the Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken is delicious on its own, you can also make some variations or additions to cater to your preferences. Here are a few ideas: • Swap out the chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Add some sliced jalapenos for an extra kick.
• Use quinoa instead of mixed greens for a heartier salad.
• Swap out the cheddar cheese for feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Storage and Leftovers
The Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, it's best to wait to add the avocado until just before serving to avoid it turning brown. You can also prepare the salad in advance and store the ingredients separately, assembling just before serving.
FAQs About Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken
1. What is in the Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken?
The Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken typically includes grilled chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, tomato, onion, shredded cheese, and a dressing with lime juice and cilantro.
2. How many calories are in the Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken?
The Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken contains 283 calories per serving (350 grams).
3. Is the Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken healthy?
The Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken is a healthy and well-rounded meal as it contains lean protein, healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. However, it's important to check the nutritional information of the specific salad you are ordering, as some variations may contain more calories or unhealthy ingredients.
4. Is the Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken gluten-free?
The Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken can be made gluten-free if the dressing and other ingredients are gluten-free. However, some dressings and toppings may contain gluten, so it's important to check with the restaurant or read the ingredients list carefully.
5. Can the Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken be customized?
Yes, the Santa Fe Salad with Grilled Chicken can be customized to your liking. For example, you can add or remove toppings, choose a different dressing, or substitute the grilled chicken for another protein source. However, this may affect the nutritional information of the dish.