Best 5 Spicy Southwest Chopped Salad With Salsa Verde Recipes

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## Spicy Southwest Chopped Salad with Salsa Verde: A Culinary Journey Through Bold Flavors

Indulge in a tantalizing culinary adventure with our Spicy Southwest Chopped Salad, a symphony of vibrant flavors that will ignite your taste buds. This delectable salad combines the bold and spicy essence of the Southwest with the refreshing zest of salsa verde, creating a harmonious balance of heat and freshness. Every crisp bite of this salad is an explosion of textures and flavors, featuring tender grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, black beans, and creamy avocado. Drizzled with a tangy salsa verde made from fresh herbs, tangy capers, and a hint of spice, this salad is a fiesta for the senses, sure to leave you craving for more. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with our Spicy Southwest Chopped Salad with Salsa Verde.

**Additional Recipes Featured in the Article:**

1. **Salsa Verde:** Master the art of making a vibrant and flavorful salsa verde, a versatile condiment that adds a burst of freshness to various dishes. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions to create a zesty and aromatic salsa verde using fresh herbs, capers, and a touch of spice.

2. **Grilled Chicken:** Discover the secrets to achieving perfectly grilled chicken, tender and juicy on the inside, with a slightly charred exterior. Learn the techniques for preparing and grilling chicken breasts to perfection, ensuring a succulent and flavorful addition to your salad.

3. **Chopped Salad:** Elevate your salad game with this comprehensive guide to creating a flavorful and texturally diverse chopped salad. Explore various ingredients that can be incorporated into your salad, such as crunchy vegetables, juicy fruits, and hearty grains, along with tips for achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

AL PASTOR TACO SALAD WITH SPICY SALSA VERDE RANCH



Al Pastor Taco Salad with Spicy Salsa Verde Ranch image

This is the combination of classic taco salad "in the delicious, deep-fried tortilla bowl" and my favorite taco filling. Al pastor is smoky pork with pineapple, and it brings so much flavor to this salad. It gets covered in ranch because we're in the Midwest and that's how we stay warm in winter. Traditionally, al pastor is cooked on a spit, but this is an at-home version that mimics the flavors and crispy, juicy texture.

Provided by Molly Yeh

Categories     main-dish

Time 5h10m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 45

1 gallon neutral oil
4 large flour tortillas (burrito size), at room temperature
Kosher salt
1/2 cup store-bought ranch dressing
1/2 cup store-bought salsa verde (or homemade, see recipe below)
2 romaine hearts, shredded
1 bunch fresh cilantro, leaves and tender stems, roughly chopped
2 cups Al Pastor, recipe follows
4 radishes, thinly sliced
Pickled Red Onions, recipe follows
1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco (from a 10-ounce wheel)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 ounces tomatillos, husked, rinsed and stems removed
1/2 white onion, peeled, root kept intact and cut into 8 wedges
1 poblano chile
4 large cloves garlic, skin intact
1 jalapeño, stem removed, halved and seeded (optional, keep seeds for spicy)
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
1 lime, juiced
1 green onion, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
Half a 3.5-ounce package achiote paste
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 2- to 3-inch chunks
Two 20-ounce cans crushed pineapple
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
6 large cloves garlic, smashed
2 fresh bay leaves
1 red Fresno or green jalapeño chile, stemmed and sliced
1 white onion, cut into 4 wedges, root kept intact
1 handful fresh oregano
1 handful fresh sage
1 red onion, sliced
1 1/2 cups red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 fresh bay leaf

Steps:

  • For the tortilla bowls: Heat the oil in a large, heavy, deep pot to 350 degrees F.
  • Gently press a tortilla into the center of 7-inch spider to form a bowl. Using a 5-inch spider, gently press down into the tortilla to hold its shape. Carefully submerge the spiders into the hot oil and fry the tortilla until puffed, crispy and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove and gently place upside down on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet to drain of excess oil. Season with salt. Repeat with the remaining 3 tortillas.
  • To make the spicy salsa verde ranch: Mix together the ranch dressing and salsa verde in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • To assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded lettuce, cilantro and about 1/3 cup of the salad dressing, adding more if desired. Divide the salad among the 4 tortilla bowls. Top each with 1/2 cup Al Pastor, radishes, Pickled Red Onions and 2 tablespoons queso fresco. Drizzle some dressing on top. Serve immediately.
  • Heat the oil in a 12-inch cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the tomatillos, onion, poblano, garlic and jalapeño. Cook, flipping the veggies as needed to evenly char and soften, about 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Carefully remove the stem from the poblano chile, so as to not let the juices spill out (we want that yummy pepper juice!) and add to the carafe of a high-speed blender. Squeeze the garlic from the skins into the blender. Add the remaining roasted veggies and any juices from the bottom of the pan. Add the cilantro, lime juice, green onion and salt. Blend on high speed until pureed and smooth.
  • In a large bowl, add the achiote paste, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, cloves, black pepper and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to fully combine into a paste. Add the pork and rub the paste all over to completely coat. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of a pressure cooker, mix together the crushed pineapple, chicken broth, garlic, bay leaves, chile, onion, oregano and sage. Add the achiote-rubbed pork. Pressure cook on low for 4 hours or high for 1 hour until the pork is fork-tender. Carefully release the steam away from your face. Remove the pork to a plate or baking sheet and shred using 2 forks.
  • Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the pork and spoon some of the braising liquid over to moisten, as needed. Season with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy, 4 to 6 minutes. Set aside.
  • Place the onions in a food storage container and set aside while you prepare the pickling liquid.
  • In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add the vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, cumin seeds, bay leaf and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil and cook until the sugar and salt are dissolved, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool completely. Pour the cooled pickling liquid over the onions and allow to pickle for at least 30 minutes. At this point, you can either strain the onions to prevent from further pickling and use immediately, or put the lid on top and store in the refrigerator to further pickle until ready to use.

SOUTHWESTERN SALAD WITH AVOCADO DRESSING RECIPE BY TASTY



Southwestern Salad With Avocado Dressing Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: avocado, garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, fresh cilantro, lime, lettuce, bell pepper, fresh cilantro, black beans, red onion, corn, scallion, tomato

Provided by Merle O'Neal

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 5 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 avocado, halved
1 clove garlic
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
¼ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro
1 lime, juiced
1 head lettuce, chopped
1 cup bell pepper, chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro
15 oz black beans, 1 can
½ cup red onion, chopped
15 oz corn, 1 can
¼ cup scallion
¾ cup tomato, chopped

Steps:

  • Add all dressing ingredients to a blender, blend until smooth.
  • In a large bowl add lettuce, peppers, cilantro, beans, onion, corn, green onion, and tomatoes.
  • Top with prepared dressing; toss to coat.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 342 calories, Carbohydrate 44 grams, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 12 grams, Protein 10 grams, Sugar 8 grams

SPICY SOUTHWEST CHOPPED SALAD WITH SALSA VERDE



Spicy Southwest Chopped Salad with Salsa Verde image

This is by far the best summer salad I have ever made! You can adjust the amount of spice, depending on your preference by adding more or less jalapeno and Cajun seasoning. The salsa verde makes a big enough batch that you can have more for dipping chips later. It is a great low-fat, all-in-one meal. This dish can also be topped with crushed tortilla chips, if desired.

Provided by Jenny from WA

Categories     Salad Recipes

Time 1h15m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 ears corn
1 pound tomatillos, husked
½ bunch fresh cilantro leaves
½ jalapeno chile pepper, chopped
¼ large white onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
salt, to taste
4 teaspoons lime juice
1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced
1 teaspoon lime juice
¼ medium head red cabbage, chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, or to taste
1 head green leaf lettuce
1 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1 lime, cut into wedges

Steps:

  • Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil; add the corn and boil 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the corn and allow to cool until cool enough to handle. Cut the corn off of the cob and place into a large mixing bowl; set aside.
  • Place the tomatillos, cilantro, jalapeno, onion, garlic, salt, and 4 teaspoons of lime juice into a blender. Pulse until the vegetables have been finely chopped; set aside. Toss the avocado with 1 teaspoon of lime juice and mix with the corn, cabbage, black beans, and bell pepper.
  • Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning.
  • Cook the chicken breasts on the preheated grill until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 6 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Set the breasts aside until cool enough to handle; cut into bite sized pieces.
  • Divide the lettuce leaves onto 4 plates. Mound the avocado mixture on top of the lettuce, followed by the chicken. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and garnish with lime wedges to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 550.4 calories, Carbohydrate 50 g, Cholesterol 99.3 mg, Fat 22.4 g, Fiber 17.5 g, Protein 43 g, SaturatedFat 8.5 g, Sodium 1112.4 mg, Sugar 10.9 g

CHOPPED SALAD WITH SALSA VERDE DRESSING



Chopped Salad with Salsa Verde Dressing image

Categories     Salad     Blender     Leafy Green     Onion     Tomato     Side     Quick & Easy     Dinner     Lunch     Summer     Healthy     Bon Appétit     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 tomatillos, husked, quartered
1/3 cup (lightly packed) cilantro
5 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon chopped jalapeño chili
1 garlic clove, peeled
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
2 1/2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
2 cups chopped green cabbage
3/4 cup chopped seeded tomatoes
3/4 cup chopped peeled jicama
3/4 cup fresh corn kernels
1 avocado, pitted, peeled, diced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Corn tortilla chips (optional)

Steps:

  • Puree first 5 ingredients in blender. Pour into medium bowl. Whisk in oil, then green onions. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Mix all remaining ingredients except chips in bowl. Toss with enough dressing to coat. Serve with chips, if desired.

SPICY SOUTHWEST CHOPPED SALAD WITH SALSA VERDE



Spicy Southwest Chopped Salad with Salsa Verde image

This is by far the best summer salad I have ever made! You can adjust the amount of spice, depending on your preference by adding more or less jalapeno and Cajun seasoning. The salsa verde makes a big enough batch that you can have more for dipping chips later. It is a great low-fat, all-in-one meal. This dish can also be topped with crushed tortilla chips, if desired.

Provided by Jenny from WA

Categories     Salad Recipes

Time 1h15m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 ears corn
1 pound tomatillos, husked
½ bunch fresh cilantro leaves
½ jalapeno chile pepper, chopped
¼ large white onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
salt, to taste
4 teaspoons lime juice
1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced
1 teaspoon lime juice
¼ medium head red cabbage, chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, or to taste
1 head green leaf lettuce
1 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1 lime, cut into wedges

Steps:

  • Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil; add the corn and boil 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the corn and allow to cool until cool enough to handle. Cut the corn off of the cob and place into a large mixing bowl; set aside.
  • Place the tomatillos, cilantro, jalapeno, onion, garlic, salt, and 4 teaspoons of lime juice into a blender. Pulse until the vegetables have been finely chopped; set aside. Toss the avocado with 1 teaspoon of lime juice and mix with the corn, cabbage, black beans, and bell pepper.
  • Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning.
  • Cook the chicken breasts on the preheated grill until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 6 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Set the breasts aside until cool enough to handle; cut into bite sized pieces.
  • Divide the lettuce leaves onto 4 plates. Mound the avocado mixture on top of the lettuce, followed by the chicken. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and garnish with lime wedges to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 550.4 calories, Carbohydrate 50 g, Cholesterol 99.3 mg, Fat 22.4 g, Fiber 17.5 g, Protein 43 g, SaturatedFat 8.5 g, Sodium 1112.4 mg, Sugar 10.9 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the salad will taste. If possible, buy organic produce for the best flavor and nutritional value.
  • Chop the vegetables evenly: This will help them cook evenly and make the salad more visually appealing.
  • Don't overcook the vegetables: Overcooked vegetables will lose their flavor and nutrients. Cook them just until they are tender-crisp.
  • Use a variety of colors and textures: This will make the salad more visually appealing and interesting to eat.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment: There are many different ways to make a southwest chopped salad. Feel free to add or omit ingredients to suit your own taste.

Conclusion:

A southwest chopped salad is a healthy and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It is packed with fresh vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. The salsa verde adds a delicious and tangy flavor to the salad. This salad is sure to please everyone at your table.

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