Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad

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Delicious Southwest Chicken Salad served with ranch dressing on a plate.

WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE

The Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of the Southwest right to your table. This salad is perfect for those hot summer days when you want something light but filling. It’s packed with protein from the rotisserie chicken and black beans, while the diced vegetables add a crunchy texture that makes every bite enjoyable. The creamy ranch dressing ties all the flavors together, making it a hit for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a quick lunch.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to make. You can whip it up in no time, especially if you use store-bought rotisserie chicken. You can customize the ingredients to fit your tastes, making it a versatile dish that can please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover chicken and get in some healthy veggies.

HOW TO MAKE Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad

Making Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to do it.

  1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 2 tablespoons of dry ranch seasoning. This will add a nice flavor to the chicken right from the start.

  2. Add the black beans, corn, green chiles, red bell pepper, jalapeño, and green onions. Toss everything together until well mixed. This mixture will give your salad a colorful presentation and a variety of textures.

  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy dressing blends perfectly with the ingredients and adds a tangy kick.

  4. Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated. A good mix is essential to enjoy the flavors in each bite.

  5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you like it spicier, consider adding more jalapeño or ranch seasoning.

  6. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together for a delicious taste.

  7. Serve chilled. Enjoy it as a side dish or a main course.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups rotisserie chicken, (shredded and diced)
  • 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, (drained)
  • 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles, (drained)
  • 1 red bell pepper, (diced)
  • 1 large jalapeño, (seeded and diced)
  • 1 bunch green onions, (sliced)
  • ½ cup (116 g) mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup (57.5 g) sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice, (about 1 medium lime)
  • Salt and pepper, (to taste)

HOW TO SERVE Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad

Serving Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad is easy. You can serve it in individual bowls or on a large platter. Adding a sprinkle of extra green onions or chopped cilantro on top can give it a nice touch. This salad works well as a side dish to grilled meats or as a main dish on its own.

If you want to make it a heartier meal, you can serve it over a bed of greens like romaine or spinach. You could even add tortilla chips for extra crunch. This salad is great for meal prep, so feel free to double the recipe for a week’s worth of lunches.

HOW TO STORE Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad

To store leftover Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 3 days. This allows the flavors to develop even further. Just be aware that the vegetables might lose some crunch over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

If you plan to make it ahead of time, consider keeping the dressing separate until just before serving. This will keep the salad fresher and prevent it from becoming soggy.

TIPS TO MAKE Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad

Here are some tips to get the most out of your Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad:

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will provide the best flavor and texture. Try to buy them close to when you plan to make the salad.
  • Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to swap out any ingredients you don’t like. You can add avocado for creaminess or tomatoes for added freshness.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Depending on your taste preference, you can increase or decrease the amount of ranch seasoning, lime juice, or spiciness.
  • Make It Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve to maintain freshness.
  • Experiment with Proteins: If you don’t have chicken, you can substitute with turkey, cooked shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

VARIATIONS

There are many ways to change up the Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad:

  • Add Quinoa or Rice: For extra fiber and substance, mix in cooked quinoa or brown rice.
  • Use Different Proteins: Instead of rotisserie chicken, try grilled chicken breast, shredded turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
  • Change the Veggies: Add or replace other vegetables such as diced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, or even shredded carrots for different textures and flavors.
  • Spice It Up: For those who like more heat, add diced serrano peppers or a few dashes of hot sauce into the mix.
  • Crispy Add-Ins: Toss in some tortilla strips or crumbled tortilla chips for a crunchy topping.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! You can use cooked and shredded chicken breast. Just make sure to season it well with ranch seasoning or your favorite spices.

How do I make this salad vegan?

You can omit the chicken and use vegan mayonnaise and sour cream to substitute the dairy components. Add more beans or perhaps some chickpeas to make it heartier.

Can I freeze leftover salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of the vegetables will change once frozen. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.

With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad is sure to please anyone at your table. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adjusted based on what’s available in your pantry or your personal tastes. Enjoy this delightful salad with family and friends!