Chopped Salad With Jalapeño-Ranch Dressing

By Alexa Weibel

Updated July 5, 2023

  • Bryan Gardner for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.
Media 1 of 1
Total Time
20 minutes
Rating
5(3,628)
Comments
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This chopped salad is fresh, festive and excessive in a celebratory way. While most salads opt for the lightest layer of dressing to optimize the produce’s flavors, this one calls for the dressing to generously coat the crisp ingredients. Inspired by Caesar salad, ranch dressing and the dinner-worthy salads popularized at chain restaurants like California Pizza Kitchen, this salad is punchy and satisfying, thanks to rich ingredients, like avocado, Cotija and a mayonnaise-thickened dressing, plus those with bite, like radishes, corn kernels and tortilla chips. Pair the salad with grilled tofu, chicken, shrimp or burgers — or nothing at all. This salad eschews subtlety, and hits all the right notes.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 to 6 servings

FOR THE DRESSING

  • ½ cup buttermilk

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • 3 large scallions, trimmed and finely chopped (about ¼ cup)

  • ⅓ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped jalapeño with its seeds (or to taste)

  • 1 lime, zested

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

  • Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and black pepper

FOR THE SALAD

  • 3 romaine hearts (about 1 pound), trimmed and chopped into bite-size pieces

  • 3 fresh ears of corn, shucked, kernels removed from cobs

  • 8 radishes, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced into half-moons

  • 2 large, ripe avocados, pitted and diced

  • 5 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced at an angle

  • ½ cup crumbled Cotija (or grated Parmesan)

  • 1 cup chopped cilantro, leaves and tender stems

  • 2 cups crumbled lime tortilla chips (optional)

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 to 6 servings)

43 grams carbs; 18 milligrams cholesterol; 500 calories; 15 grams monosaturated fat; 13 grams polyunsaturated fat; 7 grams saturated fat; 36 grams fat; 11 grams fiber; 771 milligrams sodium; 9 grams protein; 6 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare the dressing: In a large measuring cup, whisk all of the dressing ingredients together to combine. Season with ¾ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. (Makes 1 ¼ cups. It will taste quite salty at this point, and that is intentional. You want it to hold up when tossed with a big pile of vegetables.)

  2. Step 2

    In a large shallow bowl or platter, toss the romaine with half of the following ingredients: corn, radishes, avocado, sliced scallions, Cotija and cilantro. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add ½ cup dressing and toss to coat. Season again with salt and pepper.

  3. Step 3

    Top with the remaining corn, radishes, avocado, scallions, Cotija and cilantro, scattering the garnishes on top or arranging them in stripes or piles. Sprinkle some crumbled tortilla chips on top, if using. Drizzle the salad with an additional ¼ cup dressing, and serve immediately, serving any remaining dressing and additional tortilla chips alongside.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
3,628 user ratings
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Comments

Cheri

Please clarify the lime ingredient in this recipe: “1 lime, zested”: Does this mean: A) the juice of one lime, no Zest, B) the Zest of one lime, OR C) One lime, including the JUICE and Zest??

ngh

I made it with the zest and the juice--was delicious.

sunnycharles

Try plain coconut yogurt and lemon juice for a lactose free alternative to buttermilk.

Sasha

Great salad! Served alongside bbq ribs for Memorial Day. I added black beans and crumbled elote corn chips from Trader Joe’s. I felt the dressing was lacking some flavor, so I added some pickled jalapeño brine and it was perfection. I ended up with leftover dressing too, so tonight I’m using it as marinade for some chicken thighs.

Andrea O.

A lot of work, but worth it!!

Brianne

Used Greek yogurt instead of mayo; worked great. Queso fresco also works instead of cotija. Could do feta in a pinch. Added toasted pepitas, cherry tomatoes and black beans. You could also add quinoa and any grilled protein. Delicious.

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