Final answer:
The item on top of the Santa Fe salad and the chicken tortilla soup is tortilla strips.
Step-by-step explanation:
The item on top of the Santa Fe salad and the chicken tortilla soup is usually tortilla strips. Tortilla strips add a crunchy texture and can be made from corn tortillas that are cut into thin strips and then fried until crispy. They are commonly used as a garnish in Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes, including salads and soups.