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Spicy Southwest Salad

Belinda Bartholomew
Spicy Southwest Salad. Easy, 30-minute salad filled with juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, creamy avocado, grilled steak, and a spicy Southwest ranch dressing. Perfect for those busy nights, driving kids back and forth to school activities.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American, Southwest
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 1 head romaine rinsed and chopped
  • 1 cup corn canned, frozen, or two ears of fresh corn
  • ½ pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1-2 avocados sliced
  • ½ red onion sliced into thin rings OR ½ cup pickled red onions
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 handfuls of crushed Doritos tortilla chips, or corn chips
  • 1 lb. grilled steak or chicken sliced
  • 1 cup Southwest ranch dressing - see my recipe for homemade version
  • Optional: pickled jalapeño slices black beans, fresh cilantro, crumbled bacon, lime wedges

Instructions
 

Prepare the salad:

  • Put the chopped romaine into a large serving bowl or platter. Arrange corn, tomatoes, avocado, red onion and cheese around the bowl. Sprinkle the crushed Doritos over the top.

Prepare the meat:

  • Preheat grill or grill pan to medium. Brush olive oil on the steak or chicken and season with your favorite Southwest rub. Grill, flipping once. Steak should be done to an internal temperature of 135° F for medium. Chicken should be done to an internal temperature of 165° F. Once done, let rest for 5-10 minutes. Cut into ½” slices.

Assemble:

  • Add sliced steak or chicken. Drizzle with Southwest ranch dressing. Add any additional toppings you choose, such as pickled jalapeño slices, fresh cilantro, or lime wedges. Enjoy!

Notes

Want your store bought dressing to taste homemade?
You can add the following:
1 Tbsp.pickled jalapeños, finely chopped
The juice from half a lime
1 Tbsp. fresh, chopped cilantro.
Keyword 30-Minute, Easy, Family-friendly, Healthy,, salad, Southwest
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!