Chipotle Ranch Salad
Do you make your own salad dressing? Well, if not, then my Chipotle Ranch Salad is just the reason to start! The salad dressing comes together quite easy, just throw the ingredients in your blender and then you’re done. Additionally, if you’re looking for a Ranch Dressing or don’t like the heat of the chipotle peppers, then simply leave that out. If you prefer to use store-bought salad dressing then you can obviously do that as well.
As for the salad, the toppings are truly up to you. I think of this as a southwestern style salad, so I’ve added on black beans, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, corn, and tortilla chips for a little extra crunch! I’ve put all of that one of a bed of romaine lettuce, but you can use spinach, iceberg, mixed field greens, or even kale if that works better for you.
Similar to my cookbook, you can freestyle this salad and make it your own in many different ways.
Here’s a few ways to freestyle this recipe:
- use another leafy green instead of romaine lettuce
- use pinto beans instead of black beans
- use cotija cheese instead of queso quesadilla or Monterey Jack
- use some of my other delicious sauces and salad dressing such as this Cilantro Lime Tahini Sauce or this Charred Scallion and Cilantro Dressing
Here are some other additions and ideas to consider:
- add black olives
- add roasted sweet potatoes
- add raw or roasted bell peppers
- add 1/2 cup of Spanish rice or your favorite grain
Are there ways to veganize this recipe???
Yes! To make this salad vegan, simply use vegan mayonnaise and plain unsweetened vegan yogurt or sour cream in the dressing. And omit the queso quesadilla cheese or substitute it with something comparable like vegan cheese shreds.
Looking for other great salad ideas? Give these delicious recipes a try!
- Zesty Shrimp Fajita Salad
- Veggie Burrito Bowl with Cilantro Lime Tahini Sauce
- BBQ Salmon Chopped Salad
- Oven Baked BBQ Tofu over Kale Salad
Join me on my social channels and please don’t forget to take pictures and tag me #supperwithmichelle and @supperwithmichelle, if you make any of my recipes! I absolutely love to see all of your creations. You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, YouTube, or Pinterest! As always, I love when you share your reviews in the comments below, and if you have any fun substitutions or additions, let me know how it worked out below too!
Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope that you enjoy my Chipotle Ranch Salad. The full printable recipe is below. Enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Ranch Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- ½ pint cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup corn, cooked – either frozen, canned, or cut off a boiled or grilled cob
- 1 head romaine lettuce, or whatever your favorite greens are
- 1 small avocado, sliced or diced
- ¾ cup black beans, or pinto beans that have been warmed/cooked
- ½ cup queso quesadilla shredded cheese, or a cheese of your choice
- tortilla strips or chips, either homemade or store-bought
For the Chipotle Ranch Dressing:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise, or vegan mayo
- ¼ cup sour cream, or vegan sour cream
- 1 small Chipotle pepper, that comes in the can in the sauce + 1 teaspoon of the sauce (use less if you don’t want it too spicy)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
Equipment
- 1 high-speed blender
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
Instructions
Make the Homemade Chipotle Ranch Dressing (makes scant ⅔ cup):
- In a high-speed blender, add the ingredients for the dressing and 2 tablespoons of cold water and blend until smooth, about 15 seconds. Store in an air-tight jar or container if you have any leftover. Will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge. Add a little more water to thin out, if needed.
Assemble salad:
- In a serving bowl or platter, add in your lettuce or greens, and then add whatever toppings that you chose to use for this salad. Then drizzle with your salad dressing and enjoy!
I am not big on salads but my daughter loves a delicious salad. We have been eating mostly plant based “diet” for about five weeks. This is the best salad I have ever had and my daughter absolutely enjoyed it. We forgot to add the tortilla strips on the top but it was still amazing! We will DEFINITELY make this again!
Aww! That makes me so happy Kristin! Glad you both enjoy it!!!