The Cheesecake Factory Santa Fe Salad

Salad

The Cheesecake Factory Santa Fe Salad

The Cheesecake Factory Santa Fe Salad
  • PREP TIME
    30 mins
  • COOK TIME
    20 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    1 hrs 55 mins
  • SERVING
    4 People
  • VIEWS
    12

Experience a vibrant explosion of Southwestern flavors with this Santa Fe Salad, a delightful recreation of the popular Cheesecake Factory favorite. Packed with juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy peanut-cilantro dressing, this salad is a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    67 g
  • Cholesterol
    102 mg
  • Fiber
    13 g
  • Protein
    50 g
  • Saturated Fat
    15 g
  • Sodium
    2101 mg
  • Sugar
    20 g
  • Fat
    59 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Marinate Chicken: In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the chicken breasts and teriyaki marinade. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

02

Step

Prepare Dressing: Combine cilantro, peanut butter, red wine vinegar, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and lime zest in a food processor. Blend until well combined. Gradually pour in 1/2 cup olive oil, blending until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Add pepper and blend briefly to incorporate. (Prep time: 15 minutes)

03

Step

Toast Tortilla Strips: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread corn tortilla strips on a baking sheet and drizzle with 2 teaspoons of olive oil (or to taste). (Prep time: 5 minutes)

04

Step

Bake Tortilla Strips: Bake in the preheated oven until the tortilla strips are crispy and golden brown. (Bake time: 5-10 minutes)

05

Step

Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and let cool slightly until easy to handle. Slice the chicken into thin strips. (Cook time: 15-20 minutes)

06

Step

Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, toss together the corn, black beans, and chopped romaine lettuce. Top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, sliced chicken, and crispy tortilla strips. Drizzle generously with the peanut-cilantro dressing. Serve immediately. (Assembly time: 5 minutes)

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
If you don't have a food processor, you can finely chop the cilantro and garlic, then whisk all dressing ingredients together by hand.
To save time, use store-bought crispy tortilla strips.
Feel free to customize the salad with other toppings such as diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, or red onion.

Nannie Predovic

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

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RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.5/ 5 ( 4 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (4)

  • Edward Glover

    Jun 25, 2025

    I added some grilled bell peppers and onions to the salad for extra flavor and it was amazing!

  • Valentin Mccullough

    Jun 21, 2025

    This recipe is spot on! Tastes just like the Santa Fe Salad at The Cheesecake Factory. The dressing is the key!

  • Rosella Sporer

    Jun 9, 2025

    I made this for a potluck and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved the unique flavor of the peanut-cilantro dressing.

  • Selmer Johnston

    May 24, 2025

    Easy to follow recipe and the salad is delicious! I will definitely be making this again.

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