Savory Ranch Chicken Delight Salad
Experience a burst of flavor with this Savory Ranch Chicken Delight Salad, featuring tender broiled chicken breast combined with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy homemade croutons, and a vibrant mix of shredded carrots and sharp cheddar cheese. Each bite is elevated by tangy ranch dressing that beautifully ties all the ingredients together. This hearty salad is perfect for lunch or dinner, providing a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables for an extra crunch and freshness.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Romaine lettuce
1 head (shredded)
Shredded carrots
1 cup (shredded)
Boneless chicken breast
1 lb (broiled, cooled, and diced)
Sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Homemade croutons
1-2 cups (prepared (see recipe at https://www.food.com/recipe/croutons-93223))
Ranch salad dressing
8-12 tablespoons (for drizzling)
Instructions
1
Begin by broiling the chicken breast until fully cooked, then allow it to cool before dicing it into bite-sized pieces.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded romaine lettuce and shredded carrots. Toss gently to mix.
3
On four individual plates, layer the salad mixture evenly, starting with the lettuce and carrots, followed by the diced chicken breast, and then sprinkle with shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
4
Generously scatter the homemade croutons over the top of the salads. If desired, add any additional salad ingredients you enjoy, such as cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, or mushrooms.
5
Drizzle the ranch salad dressing over each salad portion, adjusting the amount according to personal preference. Toss gently to combine the ingredients just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Ranch Chicken Delight Salad?
It is a hearty salad featuring broiled chicken breast, romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, carrots, and sharp cheddar cheese, all tossed in ranch dressing.
How is the chicken prepared for this recipe?
The boneless chicken breast is broiled until fully cooked, allowed to cool, and then diced into bite-sized pieces.
What type of lettuce is used in the Savory Ranch Chicken Delight Salad?
The recipe calls for one head of shredded romaine lettuce.
Can I use store-bought croutons?
While the recipe recommends 1-2 cups of homemade croutons, you can use store-bought ones if preferred.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
One cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese is used to provide a vibrant flavor.
How much chicken do I need for this salad?
The recipe requires one pound of boneless chicken breast.
What vegetables are included in the base mix?
The base consists of shredded romaine lettuce and one cup of shredded carrots.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The instructions describe layering the mixture onto four individual plates, suggesting it serves four people.
What kind of dressing is used?
Ranch salad dressing is used to tie all the ingredients together.
How much ranch dressing should I apply?
The recipe recommends using between 8 to 12 tablespoons, depending on your personal preference.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, you can add extra ingredients like cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, or mushrooms for more crunch.
Is this salad suitable for a main course?
Yes, it is described as a hearty main dish salad that is satisfying and nutritious.
When should I toss the salad with the dressing?
It is best to toss the ingredients gently just before serving to maintain freshness.
Should the chicken be hot or cold when added to the lettuce?
The instructions specify allowing the chicken to cool after broiling before dicing and adding it to the salad.
What is the order of layering for the salad?
Start with the lettuce and carrots, add the diced chicken, sprinkle with cheese, and top with croutons.
Where can I find a recipe for the homemade croutons?
The recipe suggests a specific guide located at https://www.food.com/recipe/croutons-93223.
Is this a healthy meal option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy meal featuring lean protein and fresh vegetables.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be shredded, and you will need one cup.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While sharp cheddar is specified for its flavor, you can substitute it with your favorite cheese.
Is the recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe that is quick to assemble once the chicken is cooked.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include salad, chicken salad, ranch dressing, healthy meal, and easy recipe.
How large should the chicken pieces be?
The chicken should be diced into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
Can I add cucumbers to the Savory Ranch Chicken Delight Salad?
Yes, sliced cucumbers are explicitly mentioned as a great additional ingredient.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is broiling the chicken breast until fully cooked.
Is romaine lettuce the only lettuce I can use?
Romaine is recommended for its crispness, but you could substitute other greens if desired.
Are mushrooms a good addition to this salad?
Yes, mushrooms are suggested as an optional ingredient for extra flavor and texture.
How do you mix the lettuce and carrots?
You should combine them in a large mixing bowl and toss gently to mix before plating.
What gives this salad its 'burst of flavor'?
The combination of tangy ranch dressing, sharp cheddar cheese, and crunchy croutons creates the flavor burst.
How much cheese is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for one cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, the components like broiled chicken and shredded carrots can be prepared in advance.