Looking for a nutritious and satisfying salad option? Look no further than the Santa Fe Chopped Salad! With 671 calories, it's a filling and healthy meal in itself.

Packed with ingredients like black beans, corn, avocado, and grilled chicken, this salad is not only delicious but also provides a range of essential nutrients like fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

In this article, we'll explore some key facts and considerations to keep in mind when making and enjoying this tasty salad.

High Calorie Count

With 671 calories, the Santa Fe Chopped Salad may seem like a lot for a single meal. However, it's important to remember that not all calories are created equal. The ingredients in this salad are packed with nutrients and healthy fats that will keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods of time. Moreover, if you're watching your calorie intake, you can easily make adjustments to the recipe by reducing the portion of avocado or chicken or leaving out the cheese, for example.

Ingredients List

To make the Santa Fe Chopped Salad, you'll need:

• 2 cups of romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup of grilled chicken breast
• 1/2 cup of black beans
• 1/2 cup of corn
• 1/4 cup of diced red onion
• 1/4 cup of diced avocado
• 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• Tortilla strips or chips for topping (optional)
• Lime-cilantro dressing or any other dressing of your choice

Nutrition Information

The Santa Fe Chopped Salad is a great source of several essential nutrients, including:

• calories: 671
• Protein: 36g
• Fiber: 16g
• Fat: 35g
• Sugar: 9g

Taste Profile

One of the best things about the Santa Fe Chopped Salad is its delicious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The corn adds a touch of sweetness, while the black beans provide earthy and savory notes. The avocado and cheese add creaminess, while the lime-cilantro dressing gives the salad a refreshing and tangy finish. In terms of texture, the salad is a mix of crunchy, chewy, and creamy elements, making it satisfying and enjoyable to eat.

Meal Size

One serving of the Santa Fe Chopped Salad is a generous, filling meal. However, if you prefer a lighter meal, you can always reduce the portion size or pair the salad with some soup or a half sandwich. If you're looking to increase the calorie content of the salad, you can add more chicken, avocado, or cheese, or pair it with a side of bread or crackers.

Preparation Time

The Santa Fe Chopped Salad comes together quickly and easily, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Here's how to make it:

1. Grill the chicken breast until cooked through, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Rinse and chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a mixing bowl.
3. Add the black beans, corn, red onion, avocado, and chicken to the bowl and toss well.
4. Add the shredded cheese and tortilla strips or chips (if using) to the bowl and toss again.
5. Serve the salad topped with lime-cilantro dressing or any other dressing of your choice. Enjoy!

Dietary Restriction Considerations

The Santa Fe Chopped Salad can be easily adapted to suit various dietary restrictions and preferences. Here are some tips for making the salad suitable for different diets:

• To make the salad vegetarian, simply leave out the chicken.
• To make the salad vegan, leave out the chicken and cheese, and replace the lime-cilantro dressing with a vegan alternative.
• To make the salad gluten-free, use gluten-free tortilla strips or chips, and double-check that your dressing of choice is gluten-free as well.
• To make the salad dairy-free, leave out the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Variation Ideas

While the Santa Fe Chopped Salad is delicious as is, there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are some variation ideas to try:

• Add some diced tomatoes or salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
• Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu.
• Use different kinds of beans, such as kidney or chickpeas, for added variety.
• Top the salad with some diced jalapenos or hot sauce for some heat.

Possible Side Dishes

While the Santa Fe Chopped Salad is filling and delicious on its own, you can always pair it with some complementary side dishes, such as:

• A side of cornbread or biscuits.
• A bowl of vegetable soup or chili.
• A half sandwich, such as a grilled cheese or a turkey club.
• A side of fruit, such as sliced watermelon or grapes.

Recommended Occasions

The Santa Fe Chopped Salad is a versatile and satisfying meal option that can be enjoyed for a wide range of occasions, such as:

• A quick and easy lunch or dinner option on a busy weeknight.
• A nutritious and filling meal to take to work or school.
• A tasty option for a potluck or picnic.
• A healthy and indulgent weekend brunch option.