Mexican Salad With Spicy Ranch Recipe

This fresh and crunchy Mexican-inspired side salad is the perfect accompaniment to any south of the border meal! Soft lettuces, sweet red onion, sautéed corn and crunchy tortilla strips are topped with creamy avocado slices and a spicy ranch, Greek-yogurt jalapeño spicy ranch.

If you’re looking for a fresh side dish to enchiladas, tacos, nachos, or any other heavier Mexican-inspired dish, you have landed in the right corner of the internet.

This Mexican House Salad with Spicy Ranch takes inspiration from one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in Dallas, Muchacho, and adds just the right amount of lightness to any Mexican main.

More Than Just a Taco Salad Recipe

This Mexican House Salad goes beyond your typical taco salad. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good taco salad with all the fixings – ground beef, black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, the works! But sometimes you want something a little more elevated, something that feels special enough for guests but also comes together quickly for a weeknight meal.

This salad features a bed of soft butter lettuce or spring mix for a light and airy base. Slices of sweet red onion add a bit of bite, while crumbled cotija cheese brings a salty richness. Then comes the magic: golden brown, sautéed corn adds a touch of sweetness and pops of color. Crispy tortilla strips provide a satisfying crunch, and fresh cilantro injects a burst of herbal flavor. Finally, the crowning glory – creamy avocado slices nestled amongst all the other delicious ingredients.

But what truly elevates this salad is the homemade Spicy Ranch Dressing. This creamy dressing is where the Mexican inspiration truly shines. Made with Greek yogurt for a healthy base, it’s flavored with a packet of ranch dressing seasoning, a touch of jalapeño for a delightful kick, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a vibrant acidity.

The Versatility of Spicy Ranch Dressing

This dressing is the MVP of this recipe!  While it’s perfect drizzled over this Mexican House Salad, it’s incredibly versatile. Here are just a few ideas:

• Veggie and Chip Dip: Thicken it up by omitting the splash of milk and use it as a dip for your favorite crudités and tortilla chips.
• Burger Topping: Drizzle it over your next juicy burger for a flavor explosion.
• Pizza Drizzle: Give your homemade pizzas a flavor boost with a zig-zag of spicy ranch dressing.

This recipe is all about customization! Feel free to add your favorite Mexican-inspired ingredients. Here are a few ideas:

• Black Beans: Toss in a can of rinsed and drained black beans for added protein and fiber.
• Grilled Chicken: Shred or chop up some leftover grilled chicken for a heartier salad.
• Bell Peppers: Add a pop of color and sweetness with diced red bell pepper.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Halve some cherry tomatoes for a burst of juicy freshness.

Spicy Ranch Dressing Tips:

Here are some tips for making your own ranch dressing for the first time:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño will give your dressing the brightest flavor.
• Spice Level: Start with half a jalapeño and adjust the amount to your desired level of heat. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Creamy or Tangy? The amount of milk you add will determine the consistency of your dressing. For a thinner, more pourable dressing, add a little more milk. If you prefer a thicker dressing for dipping, omit the milk altogether.

Why I love this Recipe!

Now that you have your homemade dressing ready, let’s assemble this delicious and healthy Mexican House Salad! This recipe is:

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy and Delicious: Packed with fresh produce, lean protein (if you add chicken), and healthy fats from the avocado, this salad is a nutritious and satisfying meal.
• Customizable:  Feel free to add your favorite toppings and adjust the spice level to your preference.

Mexican Salad with Spicy Ranch Dressing Recipe

• Servings: 2 or 3 as a side
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups soft butter lettuce or spring mix
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp. olive oil or butter
• 3/4 cup yellow corn kernels, rinsed and drained
• 2 tbsp. crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese)
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped tortilla strips
• 1/2 ripe avocado, sliced

For the Spicy Ranch Dressing:

• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (I use 2%)
• 1 packet ranch dressing seasoning mix
• 1/2 jalapeño
• 1 fresh lime, juiced
• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 2 tsp. milk (I used plain almond)

Instructions:

1. Make the Spicy Ranch Dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine Greek yogurt, ranch dressing seasoning mix, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. Add a splash of milk to thin the dressing, if desired. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
2. Sauté the Corn: Heat olive oil or butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add corn kernels and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine lettuce, red onion, cotija cheese, cilantro, and tortilla strips. Top with cooled corn and avocado slices.
4. Serve: Drizzle the desired amount of Spicy Ranch Dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.

Tips:

• Prep Ahead: Wash and chop all vegetables ahead of time and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for easy assembly throughout the week.
• Spice Level: For a milder dressing, omit the jalapeño or use less. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
• Make it Heartier: Add shredded grilled chicken, leftover taco meat, or a can of rinsed and drained black beans for additional protein.
• Ditch the Dairy: Substitute the Greek yogurt in the dressing with vegan yogurt for a dairy-free option.
• Customize It Up! Feel free to add your favorite Mexican-inspired ingredients like chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use green onions instead of red onion in the Mexican Chopped Salad?

Absolutely! Green onions add a milder onion flavor that some people prefer.

Do I need garlic powder if I don’t have any fresh garlic?

No problem! Half a teaspoon of garlic powder is a perfect substitute for one clove of fresh garlic in the Spicy Ranch Dressing.

I’m looking for new salad recipes. Is this a good option for a weeknight meal?

This Mexican House Salad comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. It’s healthy, satisfying, and sure to be a big hit with the whole family!

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