How to Make Chipotle Ranch Salad with Grilled Chicken | Sauces by Jrk!

Learn how to make a delicious grilled chicken dish with a flavorful chipotle ranch salad. This recipe adds a flavorful and zesty twist.

Sauces by Jrk! has been keeping it hot in the kitchen all summer, whipping up some fantastic recipes for their loyal fans. Here is a recipe for grilled chicken with chipotle ranch salad that will tantalize your taste buds! This recipe is easy to follow and requires no expensive ingredients.

What Is A Southwest Salad?

A Southwest salad is a nutritious dish with fresh vegetables and lean proteins. This popular dish typically consists of kale, corn, black beans, shredded chicken or grilled steak, Cotija cheese, and diced tomatoes. Depending on the recipe, it may also include additional dressings or seasonings, such as lime juice or cilantro.

One reason that Southwest salads have become so popular is their versatility. People can prepare them in various ways depending on their preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, they can add vegetarians by substituting beans for meat or adding tofu as a protein source. Alternatively, they can be prepared with gluten-free ingredients to accommodate those allergic to them.

Ingredients For Recipe

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
• 4 cups mixed greens or romaine lettuce
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
• 1 avocado, diced

How To Choose A Chicken For This Recipe?

Use skinless, boneless chicken breasts. You can also use prepared rotisserie chicken, precooked chicken strips from the grocer, or boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

When selecting a chicken for a southwestern-style salad, there are several factors to consider.

• First, you will want to choose a high-quality chicken that is fresh and free from defects or blemishes. This means you should opt for free-range or organic chickens whenever possible.
• In addition, you will need to decide on the cut of chicken that best fits your needs. For instance, do you want shredded chicken for ease of mixing into your salad? Or would you prefer whole pieces for more visual appeal?
• The type of chicken also matters. For instance, you can use skinless, boneless chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, and precooked chicken strips from the grocer.
• Finally, it is important to think about the cooking method. If you prefer crispy chicken skin or extra browning, then pan frying or roasting may be preferable to grilling.

When considering these factors and finding the right fit for your needs, you can be sure of achieving delicious results in your southwestern salad!

Ingredients For Dressing

Ranch Dressing

• Chipotle Peppers
• Sour Cream
• Fresh Lime Juice

To make a homemade chipotle ranch dressing, mix equal parts ranch dressing with chopped chipotle peppers (canned in adobo sauce), sour cream, and lime juice. The basic of ranch dressing is mayonnaise and butter. Feel free to customize the spice level by adding more or less the chipotle peppers. The salad with chipotle ranch is perfectly paired, giving a yummier taste.

To assemble the salad, divide the mixed greens and toppings onto individual plates or bowls. Then, drizzle on the homemade chipotle ranch dressing and enjoy. You can also find more ranch dressing recipes at Sauce by Jrk!

Chipotles In Adobo Sauce

• Avocado
• Lime Juice
• Cilantro
• Garlic Clove
• Salt and Pepper

For a creamy, spicy avocado dressing, blend canned chipotle in adobo sauce, mashed avocado, lime juice, cilantro, garlic clove, salt, and pepper. This dressing is deliciously drizzled over the salad or can also be used as a dip for tortilla chips. Adjust the heat level to your taste by adding more or less chipotle peppers.

Garlic Powder

• Avocado Oil
• Lime Juice
• Cumin
• Honey

Mix garlic powder, avocado oil, lime juice, cumin, and honey to make a honey lime dressing. This dressing adds a sweet and tangy kick to the salad. Adjust the ratios to your taste preferences.

Onion Powder

• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Dijon Mustard
• Maple Syrup

Mix onion powder, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, and maple syrup for a sweet and tangy dressing. Mixing in some chopped chipotle peppers or hot sauce can also add a touch of heat.

Cumin

• Greek Yogurt
• Honey
• Lime Juice

Mix cumin, Greek yogurt, honey, and lime juice to make a refreshing creamy dressing. It can be used as a dip for vegetables or chips. Mixing in some chopped cilantro or jalapeno can add extra flavor.

No matter which dressing you choose, this southwestern salad with grilled chicken is guaranteed to be a delicious, satisfying meal.

How To Make Salad?

The salad can be made by following the method given below,

Pre-heat Your Grill

Start the process by pre-heating the grill at medium-high heat of 450-500 degrees F.

Cut The Chicken Wings

Next, butterfly the chicken breasts and cut them into 1-inch strips. Be sure to put the chicken in a single layer so that it will cook evenly.

Dressing Preparation

Mix the ranch dressing with the chipotle peppers in a small bowl, stirring to combine well. Set aside until needed.

Start To Cook

When your grill is preheated, brush the grates lightly with oil and then place the chicken strips directly onto them. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. Remove from heat and let cool briefly before chopping into bite-sized pieces.

Assemble

To assemble your salad, place the lettuce in a large serving bowl and top with chopped grilled chicken, bell peppers, red onion, corn kernels, black beans, and crumbled cotija cheese. Drizzle with chipotle ranch dressing before serving to keep everything nice and crunchy.

Nutrition Per Serving

Serving: 1 serving

Calories: 141 kcal

Carbohydrates: 13g

Protein: 9g

Fat: 7g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Cholesterol: 18mg

Sodium: 116mg

Potassium: 244mg

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 2g

Vitamin A: 630

vitamin C: 12mg

Calcium: 15mg

Iron: 1mg

How To Make It Spicy?

For a spicier version of this salad, try adding some diced jalapenos or hot sauce to the dressing. You can also top it with crushed red pepper flakes or sliced serrano peppers. Additionally, you could use spicy ranch dressing instead of regular ranch and add some chopped chipotle peppers for extra heat.

Are Chipotle Ranch Salads Healthy?

Like many salads, Chipotle ranch salads are healthy, especially with fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients. They provide a great source of protein and fiber from the protein-packed chicken, black beans, and avocado in the salad. In addition, the creamy cheese and flavorful dressing in these salads are packed with healthy fats like monounsaturated fat and Omega-3 fatty acids that can help to boost heart health and reduce inflammation. Overall, choose your ingredients carefully and keep your portion sizes reasonable. In that case, Chipotle ranch salads can be a great addition to any healthy diet.

However, the dressings contain a lot of added sugar. In that case, it is essential to be mindful and consume only a little. Opting for your chipotle ranch or buying sauces from trusted sellers is always best.

Ideas For Extra Toppings and Substitutions

Following are the ideas for the extra toppings as per someone's need to eat:

• Guacamole
• Tortilla Strips
• Jalapenos
• Refried Beans
• Bell Peppers
• Onions
• Cucumbers
• Carrots
• Bacon
• Shrimp
• Olives
• Goat Cheese
• Croutons
• Dried Fruit
• Pecans
• Peanuts
• Sunflower Seeds
• Hemp Seeds
• Broccoli Sprouts
• Lime

Tips For Salad Recipe

• Start by choosing a variety of leafy greens for your salad, such as kale, spinach, romaine, arugula, and other seasonal greens. Choosing different greens will help create a more interesting flavor profile for your salad.
• Next, you'll want to select some flavorful ingredients to add to the mix. For example, try incorporating bell peppers, corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, or diced cucumber. These ingredients can both add color and texture to your southwest salad recipes.
• To bring in some additional spice and smokiness, add some fresh herbs like cilantro or optional hot sauce or chili powder! These ingredients are what give your southwest salad its signature southwestern flavor.
• Don't forget the protein! Marinated chicken breasts or shredded beef are great options to satisfy you long after you finish your bowl of goodness. Grill or cook these proteins beforehand so they're ready when you need them in your salad. They're sure to be a crowd-pleaser too!
• Lastly, consider finishing with crunchy toppings like tortilla chips or crushed peanuts for a satisfying contrast to the tender veggies and meats in your southwest salad recipe! Enjoy this delicious dish as is, or serve it with some lemon wedges on the side for an even zestier experience!

Customize Southwestern Salads

Now that you have learned how to make a delicious and healthy chipotle ranch salad at home, what are you waiting for? Head to the store, get your ingredients, and fire up the grill! 

This southwest-style salad is perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or whenever you want something healthy, flavorful, and filling. Just remember to choose a good quality chicken breast and salad dressing. Sauces by Jrk! manufactures ranch dressings that will take your salad to the next level. 

So what are you waiting for? Get grilling!

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