Description
Spice up your salad game with this Jalapeño Popper Salad, a zesty twist on a traditional favorite. Crispy chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy jalapeño ranch dressing come together for a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Main Salad:
6 cups chopped fresh lettuce (such as romaine or iceberg)
2 cups microgreens (optional)
1 lb crispy chicken strips (baked or fried)
2 medium tomatoes (sliced)
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese (or sharp cheddar)
2 tbsp cooked bacon bits
½ cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or canned)
Jalapeño Ranch Dressing:
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream (or yogurt)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried parsley
½ tsp dried dill
¼ tsp salt
pinch of black pepper
1–2 tsp lemon juice (or jalapeño juice)
½ cup milk or buttermilk
¼ cup chopped jalapeños
Instructions
- Make the dressing: Whisk together mayo, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, dill, salt, pepper, and lemon (or jalapeño juice); thin with milk to desired consistency, then stir in chopped jalapeños.
- Layer the salad: On a platter or in a bowl, layer lettuce and microgreens. Top evenly with chicken, tomatoes, cheese, bacon, and jalapeños.
- Serve: Drizzle jalapeño ranch dressing over the top or serve on the side.
Notes
- Adjust heat level with jalapeño garnish or cheese choice.
- Dressing can be prepared ahead for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: Assembly (no cooking required)
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1160 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
