Smoky Chipotle Duck Salad with Creamy Dressing
Indulge in the rich flavors of grilled duck breast paired with a zesty chipotle ranch dressing, all served atop a fresh bed of mixed salad greens. The duck breast, seasoned with chili powder and grilled to perfection, offers a delightful contrast of crispy skin and tender meat. Complementing this dish, the creamy ranch dressing infused with smoky chipotle peppers is a perfect blend of heat and tang, elevating the entire salad experience. Ideal for a gourmet dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and delight your taste buds.
2
Servings
163
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Duck Breasts
2 (whole, skin-on)
Peanut Oil
1 tablespoon (for grilling)
Chili Powder
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
Mixed Salad Greens
2 cups (fresh, for serving)
Garlic Cloves
2 (smashed)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Sour Cream
1/3 cup (for dressing)
Buttermilk
2 tablespoons (for dressing)
Chipotle Pepper in Adobo
1 tablespoon (chopped, for dressing)
Fresh Cilantro Leaves
3 tablespoons (minced, for dressing)
Scallions or Chives
1 (thinly sliced or chopped, for dressing)
Instructions
1
Prepare your grill and preheat it to medium-high heat for optimal cooking.
2
Brush the duck breasts with peanut oil, ensuring an even coating. Rub the chili powder generously into the meat to enhance flavor.
3
Place the duck breasts on the grill skin side up and grill for 3 minutes. After this initial cooking time, flip the breasts so that the skin side is facing down and continue grilling for another 3 minutes.
4
Check the internal temperature, aiming for 140°F for medium-rare; adjust cooking time if you desire a more well-done duck.
5
While the duck is grilling, prepare the chipotle ranch dressing by smashing the garlic and placing it in a blender. Once blended, transfer the garlic to a small bowl.
6
In the bowl, mix the garlic paste with salt, sour cream, buttermilk, and chopped chipotle. Blend well until smooth.
7
Stir in the minced cilantro and scallions or chives, ensuring everything is well combined.
8
Once the duck is ready, allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly. Serve the sliced duck over a bed of mixed salad greens drizzled with the smoky chipotle ranch dressing.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
3g
Carbs
5g
Protein
1g
Fiber
292.5mg
Sodium
665mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Chipotle Duck Salad with Creamy Dressing?
It is a gourmet dish featuring grilled duck breast seasoned with chili powder, served over mixed salad greens with a smoky chipotle ranch dressing.
How many servings does this duck salad recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 2 servings.
What is the calorie count for a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 163 calories.
How should the grill be prepared for the duck?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat for optimal cooking of the duck breasts.
What is the total grilling time for the duck breasts?
The duck breasts should be grilled for a total of 6 minutes: 3 minutes skin-side up and 3 minutes skin-side down.
What internal temperature should the duck reach for medium-rare?
The internal temperature should reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit for a medium-rare finish.
How do I prepare the duck breasts before grilling?
Brush the duck breasts with peanut oil and rub chili powder generously into the meat.
What ingredients are used in the chipotle ranch dressing?
The dressing includes garlic, salt, sour cream, buttermilk, chopped chipotle pepper in adobo, cilantro, and scallions or chives.
Is the duck skin left on during cooking?
Yes, the recipe calls for whole, skin-on duck breasts to achieve a crispy texture.
What kind of salad greens are recommended?
Two cups of fresh mixed salad greens are recommended for this recipe.
How much fat is in one serving of this dish?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of the Smoky Chipotle Duck Salad?
Each serving provides 5 grams of protein.
How much sodium does this recipe contain?
The dish contains 292.5mg of sodium per serving.
What provides the smoky flavor in the dressing?
The smoky flavor comes from the addition of chopped chipotle pepper in adobo.
How should the garlic be prepared for the dressing?
The garlic cloves should be smashed and then blended into a paste.
What herbs can be used in the creamy dressing?
The recipe uses minced fresh cilantro and either thinly sliced scallions or chives.
Does the duck need to rest after grilling?
Yes, allow the duck to rest for a few minutes after grilling before slicing it thinly.
How many total ingredients are needed for this recipe?
A total of 11 ingredients are required to make this salad and dressing.
What type of oil is best for grilling the duck?
Peanut oil is recommended for brushing the duck breasts before grilling.
Can I adjust the cooking time for a more well-done duck?
Yes, you can increase the grilling time if you prefer your duck meat to be more well-done than medium-rare.
What is the carbohydrate content of this salad?
The salad contains approximately 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for a quick yet gourmet dinner.
How much cholesterol is in this dish?
There is 665mg of cholesterol per serving.
What is the fiber content per serving?
There is approximately 1 gram of fiber per serving.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional information indicates that there is no significant sugar content.
What equipment is needed for the dressing?
You will need a blender to process the garlic and a small bowl to mix the dressing ingredients.
What is the texture of the finished duck?
The finished duck offers a contrast of crispy skin and tender, juicy meat.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features smoky, zesty, creamy, and spicy flavor profiles.
How should the duck be sliced for serving?
The duck should be sliced thinly and placed over the mixed salad greens.
Can this recipe be served for special occasions?
Yes, its gourmet nature makes it ideal for special occasions or impressive dinner parties.