How to Make Copycat Earl’s Sante-Fe Salad at Home (Step-by-Step Guide)

Name: How to Make Copycat Earl’s Sante Fe Salad at Home (Step-by-Step Guide)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: : Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 grilled chicken breasts; 2 cups romaine lettuce; 1 cup red cabbage; ½ cup black beans; ½ cup grilled or thawed corn; 1 avocado; Handful tortilla strips; Handful fresh cilantro; ½ cup mayo; ¼ cup sour cream; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 tsp honey; 1 chipotle pepper in adobo; ½ tsp cumin; ½ tsp smoked paprika; Salt to taste

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Have you ever craved a salad so much you couldn’t stop thinking about it?

If you’ve been lucky enough to try the Sante-Fe Salad from Earl’s Kitchen + Bar, you probably know the feeling. It’s got that perfect combo of crunch, zest, sweetness, and spice that makes you say, “Wait, this is a salad?” Now, imagine making that flavor-packed bowl right at home—in under 30 minutes.

Let’s break down how to recreate the Copycat Earl’s Sante-Fe Salad in your own kitchen using simple, fresh ingredients. Whether you’re feeding your family, prepping for the week, or just want to impress yourself, this one’s a winner.

Why This Salad Is So Special (Overview)

The Earl’s Sante-Fe Salad isn’t your average bowl of greens. Here’s what makes it so crave-worthy:

It’s loaded with flavor: Smoky grilled chicken, zesty lime dressing, sweet corn, and crunchy tortilla strips.
It’s filling yet fresh: A balance of protein, fiber, and crunch that satisfies without weighing you down.
It’s beginner-friendly: No fancy skills needed—just good ingredients and a little layering.
It’s fast: With some pre-prep or store-bought shortcuts, you’ll be tossing this together in no time.

Time Required:

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Essential Ingredients & Why They Matter

Here’s what you’ll need for your Copycat Earl’s Sante-Fe Salad:

Protein

Grilled chicken breast (or rotisserie): Juicy and lightly seasoned to let the other flavors shine.

Crunch & Body

Romaine lettuce: Crisp and sturdy—it holds the dressing without going soggy.
Red cabbage: Adds color, crunch, and a little earthiness.
Cilantro: For that fresh, herby lift.

Extras That Make It Special

Corn (grilled or thawed from frozen): A touch of sweetness.
Black beans: Creamy, earthy texture and great fiber.
Avocado: Creamy goodness that balances the spice.
Crispy tortilla strips: The must-have topping for that restaurant feel.

Sante-Fe Dressing

Mayonnaise + sour cream: The creamy base.
Lime juice: For that zesty tang.
Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness.
Chipotle in adobo: Smoky, spicy depth.
Garlic, cumin, smoked paprika: The flavor boosters.

Substitutions:
No chipotle? Use smoked paprika and cayenne.
No sour cream? Greek yogurt works well.
Want it vegetarian? Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or extra beans.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to bring this masterpiece together.

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayo, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 minced chipotle pepper, ½ teaspoon cumin, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.
Add salt to taste.
Chill for at least 10 minutes for flavors to develop.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Season two boneless chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of cumin.
Grill over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Let rest, then slice thinly.

Step 3: Prep the Veggies and Toppings

Chop 2 cups of romaine, 1 cup of red cabbage, and a handful of cilantro.
Drain and rinse ½ cup of black beans.
If using frozen corn, thaw ½ cup; if fresh, grill and slice it off the cob.
Slice 1 ripe avocado.
Crush a handful of tortilla chips or use pre-made strips.

How to Assemble the Salad (Like a Pro)

Presentation counts—even in salads. Here’s how to layer it up:

In a large shallow bowl, lay a bed of chopped romaine and red cabbage.
Arrange sliced grilled chicken in the center.
Fan out the avocado slices and sprinkle corn and black beans over the top.
Scatter cilantro generously.
Drizzle with chipotle-lime dressing—or serve it on the side.
Add tortilla strips last to keep them crispy.

Tip: For a dinner party, layer the ingredients in a clear trifle bowl. Looks gorgeous!

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Want to enjoy this salad for lunch tomorrow? Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Chicken: Grill ahead and keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Dressing: Keeps in the fridge for 5 days. Shake or stir before using.
Veggies: Chop the romaine and cabbage in advance, store dry in a salad spinner.
Don’t dress ahead: Only add dressing and tortilla strips right before eating to avoid sogginess.

Fun Variations to Try

This recipe is easy to mix up! Here are some twists:

Southwest Steak Version: Swap chicken for grilled steak strips.
Taco Salad Style: Add ground beef, shredded cheese, and salsa.
Vegetarian Bowl: Omit meat and add quinoa or roasted sweet potatoes.
Tex-Mex Twist: Use spicy ranch or jalapeño-cilantro dressing.

Conclusion: Build It Your Way, Every Time

What I love most about this Copycat Earl’s Sante-Fe Salad is how it lets you play with flavor. It’s the perfect base for creativity—and it proves that salads aren’t boring. They’re bold, colorful, and full of contrast.

So, if you’ve got picky eaters, health goals, or just a craving for something bright and crunchy, this one’s got you covered. Just grab a bowl and start layering.

FAQs

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes! Use vegan mayo and dairy-free sour cream or plain coconut yogurt in the dressing.

Is this salad spicy?

It has a mild kick from the chipotle. To make it milder, use less chipotle or substitute with smoked paprika only.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken?

Grilling is best for flavor, but you can also pan-sear or bake it. Even shredded rotisserie chicken works.

Can I use bagged salad mix?

Absolutely. Use a romaine or mixed greens base to save time.

How long does the dressing last in the fridge?

It stays good for about 5 days. Keep it in an airtight jar and stir before each use.