Grilled Santa Fe Chicken and Corn Salad on Greens

Becky Johns

This recipe is from my friend Marguerite Henderson and the dressing is fabulous.  My girls took a class from her where she gave them the recipe, then they made it for me on Mother's Day. My family does not like hot spicy food, nor cilantro - I just leave them out and it is still marvelous. The chili powder and the canned green chilies in the dressing gives it enough spiciness for them.

GRILLED CHICKEN
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied to 1/2 " thickness
2 Tbsp. canola oil
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. chili powder
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 tsp. dried oregano

Place the chicken in a shallow bowl or dish. Toss with the remaining ingredients so that the chicken is coated evenly with the marinade. Grill over medium heat for 5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 170 degrees using an instant read thermometer. Cut into thin strips and set aside until remaining salad is composed.

CORN SALAD
1 (16 oz.) pkg. frozen corn kernels, thawed (in a strainer under tap water)
15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 red bell pepper, cored and diced
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro (I use fresh basil or Italian flat leaf parsley)
1 clove garlic, minced (I use 1/2 teaspoon dry minced garlic)
juice and zest of 2 limes
3 Tablespoons canola oil
1/2 teaspoon each: ground cumin, chili powder, kosher salt
1 jalapeno pepper, cored and diced (I use a green bell pepper)

Combine ingredients in a bowl and toss well.

GREENS
4 cups mixed salad greens including Romaine

Place the greens on a platter; then spoon the corn salad over the greens; lastly add the sliced chicken. Drizzle lightly with Spicy Cilantro Dressing. This makes a beautiful presentation as a main course salad. Serve extra dressing at the table.

SPICY CILANTRO DRESSING
2 cups prepared Ranch dressing (from a dry mix)
1 cup chopped cilantro (I leave this out)
1 jalapeno, cored and diced (I leave this out as well)
1 (4 oz.) can mild roasted green chilies, drained
Juice and zest of one lime
1/2 tsp. chili powder

Place all ingredients in blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use. Makes about two cups of dressing.

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