Spicy Chipotle Ranch Taco Salad Delight
This Spicy Chipotle Ranch Taco Salad Delight is a wholesome and flavorful meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. With a delicious combination of seasoned ground beef, hearty kidney beans, fresh crisp romaine lettuce, and zesty ranch dressing, this salad is both satisfying and refreshing. By using crispy tortilla chips instead of frying corn tortillas, you drastically cut down on prep time, making it perfect for warm summer days. Adjust the level of heat by varying the chipotle powder to suit your preferences. Whether served for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this layered salad offers a vibrant presentation and scrumptious flavors in every bite!
4
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Corn tortillas
8 (cut into thin strips)
Ground beef
1 lb (browned)
Ground dried chipotle powder
1 teaspoon (divided)
Red kidney beans
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
Ranch dressing
1 cup (divided)
Romaine lettuce
8 cups (torn into pieces)
Tomatoes
2 medium (chopped)
Red onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
Shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
If using corn tortillas, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the tortilla strips in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until crispy. Set aside. If using bagged tortilla chips, skip this step.
2
In a 12-inch skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess oil from the skillet. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle powder, followed by the rinsed kidney beans and 1/2 cup of ranch dressing. Mix well, then set aside to cool slightly.
3
In a large trifle dish or deep glass bowl, start layering the ingredients: Begin with 3 cups of torn romaine lettuce, followed by 1/3 of the chopped tomatoes and red onion, and half of the beef mixture. Add half of the crispy tortilla strips and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers once more.
4
For the final layer, top with the remaining lettuce, the remaining tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheese, and finally, sprinkle the reserved tortilla strips on top for added crunch.
5
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle powder with the last 1/2 cup of ranch dressing. Serve the salad with this dressing on the side for drizzling.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
20g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
5g
Fiber
1.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is the Spicy Chipotle Ranch Taco Salad Delight.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the total calories per serving?
There are 300 calories per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 22.5g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 17.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
Each serving has 20g of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, it contains 5g of fiber per serving.
What is the sugar content of the salad?
The salad contains 1.5g of sugar per serving.
What are the main ingredients needed?
The ingredients include corn tortillas, ground beef, chipotle powder, red kidney beans, ranch dressing, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
How many ingredients are used in total?
There are 9 ingredients in this recipe.
How do I prepare the corn tortillas?
Cut them into thin strips, arrange them on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes until crispy.
Can I skip baking tortillas?
Yes, you can use bagged tortilla chips instead of making your own strips.
How should the ground beef be cooked?
Brown the ground beef in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and drain any excess oil.
What kind of beans are used in this taco salad?
The recipe calls for one 14.5-ounce can of red kidney beans, rinsed and drained.
How is the beef mixture flavored?
Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle powder, the kidney beans, and 1/2 cup of ranch dressing after browning the beef.
What type of lettuce is best for this salad?
The recipe recommends using 8 cups of torn romaine lettuce.
How many tomatoes are required?
You will need 2 medium tomatoes, chopped.
What kind of onion is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped red onion.
What type of cheese should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
How should I assemble the salad?
Layer the ingredients in a large trifle dish or deep glass bowl, starting with lettuce, then tomatoes, onions, beef mixture, chips, and cheese.
Is the salad layered once or twice?
The layers are repeated once more after the initial assembly.
What goes on the final top layer?
Top with remaining lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheese, and reserved tortilla strips.
How do I make the side dressing?
Combine the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle powder with 1/2 cup of ranch dressing.
How should the dressing be served?
Serve the spicy ranch dressing on the side for drizzling over the salad.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the salad?
Yes, you can adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of chipotle powder used.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you are baking the tortilla strips.
Is this recipe good for summer?
Yes, it is described as perfect for warm summer days and is both satisfying and refreshing.
What kind of dish is recommended for serving?
A large trifle dish or deep glass bowl is recommended for a vibrant presentation.
What are some tags for this recipe?
Tags include salad, taco salad, chipotle ranch, quick meal, spicy, and ground beef.
How long does it take to bake the tortilla strips?
The tortilla strips take about 10 minutes to bake until crispy.