Southwest Chopped Salad
User Reviews
5
Southwest Chopped Salad
Description
The Southwest Chopped Salad combines fresh and cooked ingredients, including finely chopped romaine and bell pepper, diced tomatoes, cooked corn kernels, rinsed black beans, crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, and chopped green onions. This mix balances freshness, sweetness, and hearty elements.
The accompanying ranch dressing is made from sour cream, buttermilk, mayonnaise, fresh chives or scallions, garlic, dill, salt, pepper, and a small amount of hot sauce to give a subtle kick. The dressing adds creamy texture and bright herby notes that complement the salad's crunchy and savory components.
This recipe yields two full meal-sized salads or four smaller sides and can be easily tailored with extra vegetables or alternative dressings like jalapeño or chipotle ranch. Tossing the salad with a few tablespoons of dressing just before serving ensures the ingredients remain crisp and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 4 cups romaine lettuce finely chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels (cooked via favorite method)
- 1 cup tomato chopped
- 1 cup bell pepper any color, finely chopped
- 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/2-3/4 cup tortilla chip crushed
- ½ cup cheese cheddar, mex blend, pepper jack, etc, shredded
- 1/4-1/3 cup green onion whites and greens, chopped
HOMEMADE RANCH DRESSING
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 2 TBSP mayonnaise
- ½ tsp dill dried
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2-3 TBSP chives fresh chopped or scallions
- ⅛ tsp hot sauce like Frank’s Red Hot or Crystal)
Instructions
- Feel free to use your favorite dressing here. (see notes) To make my classic ranch dressing, finley chop chives/scallions then peel, smash, and mince garlic (or use a garlic press). Combine in a medium bowl and whisk well until smooth. Taste and adjust herbs/seasoning to taste if desired. For a thicker dressing, add a little extra sour cream.
- For the salad, cook corn via your favorite method. You can grill or boil it right on the cobb then cut it off for this salad, or simply steam from frozen.
- Finely chop romaine lettuce and bell pepper, dice tomatoes, and thinly chop/slice green onion. Combine with black beans, corn, crushed tortilla chips, and grated cheese. Toss to combine and serve with choice of dressing.
- Love veggies? Us too! Feel free to add extra vegetables or mix-ins to this salad and rock your plate!
- For a little dressing in every bite, toss salad in a few TBSP of dressing and mix to coat right before serving. Serve with extra toppings/dressing on the size for a custom salad.
Notes
- This recipe makes 2 meal-sized or 4 smaller side salads, allowing for flexible serving options.
- You can use the classic ranch dressing provided or substitute with jalapeño ranch, chipotle ranch, cilantro lime, or avocado dressings for variation.
- Nutrition facts use an online calculator and will vary depending on dressing choice and amount used.
- Enhance the salad by adding extra vegetables or mix-ins as desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 443 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 443kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 63g | 21% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 22mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 631mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 994mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 14g | 56% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 8679IU | 174% |
| Vitamin C | 19mg | 21% |
| Calcium | 292mg | 29% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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