Homemade Chipotle Ranch Dressing & Hearty Southwestern Steak Salad: A Flavorful Family Favorite
Are you tired of the same old salad dressings? Does your family devour ranch dressing at an astonishing speed, just like mine? It’s time to shake things up and awaken your taste buds with our incredible Homemade Chipotle Ranch Dressing! This vibrant dressing, bursting with fresh herbs and spices and the unmistakable smoky flavor of Adobo Chili Peppers, is so delicious you’ll want to drizzle it over everything. Beyond salads, it also makes an outstanding dip for your favorite snacks, vegetables, crispy fries, and golden onion rings.
Today, we’re not just making a dressing; we’re crafting a complete meal. I’ll guide you through creating a fresh and vibrant Southwestern Steak Salad, loaded with colorful vegetables and topped with savory, Crispy Steak Strips. This hearty, protein-packed salad is an ideal meal for any time of year, perfect for a summer evening or a quick, satisfying dinner. It’s a family-friendly recipe that promises smiles all around!
This recipe is proudly sponsored by Great American Comfort Classics, a brand committed to providing convenient and delicious meal solutions. Rest assured, all opinions expressed here about their products are entirely my own.
Discover Great American Comfort Classics: Crispy Steak Strips
If you’ve been following my culinary adventures over the past few months, you’ve likely heard me rave about a fantastic new frozen food line from Great American Foods, aptly named Comfort Classics. This line has recently arrived in our area, and my family and I have been thoroughly impressed by both the exceptional taste and the incredible simplicity they bring to mealtime.
The **Great American Comfort Food Collection** offers a delightful array of options, including Southern Style Chicken Breast Fillets, savory Meatloaf Slices, classic Country Fried Steaks, unique Chicken & Waffle Style Bites, and of course, these versatile Crispy Steak Strips that are the star of our Southwestern Steak Salad today. These fully cooked protein options are a game-changer for busy households, offering gourmet-level convenience without sacrificing quality or flavor. They make it effortless to put a wholesome, delicious meal on the table in minutes, saving you time without resorting to drive-thrus.
Why You’re Sure to Love This Southwestern Steak Salad Recipe
This recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients and smart shortcuts can create something truly special. Here’s why this Southwestern Steak Salad with Homemade Chipotle Ranch will quickly become a cherished part of your family’s meal rotation:
- Quick and Effortless Preparation: In today’s fast-paced world, time is precious. This creamy, flavor-packed chipotle ranch dressing comes together in mere minutes, often faster than opening a store-bought bottle! While assembling a delicious and quick salad, why not go the extra mile with a homemade dressing that’s equally simple yet infinitely more flavorful? The Great American Comfort Classics Crispy Steak Strips are fully cooked, allowing you to prepare your protein in an air fryer, oven, or microwave in a fraction of the time, making this an ideal weeknight meal solution.
- Incredibly Delicious & Power-Packed with Protein: Experience the perfect harmony of smooth creaminess and smoky heat in every bite of this spicy chipotle ranch. It offers just the right amount of warmth, creating a perfectly balanced profile of savory flavors. This isn’t just a side salad; this homemade Southwestern salad is robust enough for dinner, generously loaded with high-quality protein from the crispy steak bites. The combination of fresh vegetables, hearty steak, and zesty dressing ensures a satisfying meal that keeps you full and energized.
- A Guaranteed Family Favorite: Forget picky eaters! This tasty ranch dressing is an absolute crowd-pleaser that even the most discerning palates will adore. The mild spice, rich flavor, and satisfying textures of this salad mean everyone at the table will be reaching for seconds. It’s a fantastic way to introduce more fresh vegetables into your family’s diet, all while enjoying a meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly wholesome.
What Is Chipotle Ranch Dressing Made Of?
Crafting your own chipotle ranch dressing from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the flavors to your exact preference. It’s surprisingly simple and uses common pantry staples alongside a few fresh additions that truly elevate the taste. For precise measurements and detailed instructions, be sure to consult the complete recipe card found further down!
- Essential Seasoning: To build a rich flavor base, you’ll need standard pantry spices: garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of smoky paprika. These dry spices provide a foundational savory element that complements the fresh herbs beautifully.
- Fresh, Vibrant Herbs: Don’t underestimate the power of fresh herbs! For that quintessential ranch flavor with a Southwestern twist, you’ll want fresh cilantro for its bright, citrusy notes, fresh dill for its classic tang, and crisp fresh scallions (green onions) for a mild oniony bite and vibrant color. These fresh ingredients are key to the dressing’s lively taste.
- Creamy Mayonnaise: The backbone of any good ranch dressing, mayonnaise provides a rich, emulsified base that holds all the flavors together. Use your favorite brand for the best results.
- Tangy Sour Cream: To balance the richness of the mayonnaise and add a pleasant tang, sour cream is essential. Feel free to use either regular or reduced-fat sour cream based on your dietary preferences; both work wonderfully.
- Chipotle Chili Peppers in Adobo Sauce: This is where the magic happens and the “chipotle” comes into play! These canned peppers are smoked jalapeños, packed in a tangy, spicy adobo sauce. They impart a deep, smoky heat and a beautiful color. You can typically find them in the canned goods aisle, often near other Mexican or international food products, at your local supermarket. Be sure to use both the peppers and a little of the sauce for maximum flavor impact.
- Milk for Desired Consistency: Milk is used to thin the dressing to your preferred consistency. Whether you like it thick for dipping or pourable for drizzling over salads, you can easily adjust it. Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work, so use what you have on hand.
How to Make Chipotle Ranch Salad Dressing from Scratch
You are going to be absolutely amazed at how incredibly simple and quick this chipotle ranch dressing is to prepare. With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll have a lusciously smooth, flavor-packed dressing ready to elevate your hearty Southwestern Steak Salad in no time at all. This recipe eliminates the need for any complicated techniques, proving that homemade doesn’t have to mean time-consuming.
Step 1: Blend the Core Ingredients to Perfection
Begin by combining the mayonnaise, sour cream, chipotle chili peppers (along with their flavorful adobo sauce), all your fresh herbs (cilantro, dill, and scallions), and your dry spices (garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika) into a food processor or a high-speed blender. Process these ingredients until the mixture is beautifully smooth and all the components are fully incorporated. This step ensures a consistent texture and allows the flavors to meld together seamlessly. Once blended, give the mixture a quick taste test. This is your opportunity to season it to your personal preference; sprinkle in a little salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired to enhance the overall flavor.
Step 2: Adjust Consistency for Your Desired Use
At this stage, your freshly blended dressing will be quite thick, and it will naturally thicken even further once refrigerated. If you plan to serve and enjoy your dressing immediately, now is the time to add a small amount of milk (starting with about 2 tablespoons) to the mixture. Blend again, gradually adding more milk a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your preferred drizzling consistency. However, if you’re preparing this dressing ahead of time and will be refrigerating it before serving, it’s perfectly fine to leave it thick for now. Just be aware that after chilling, it will be firmer. You may then need to mix in a couple more tablespoons of milk to achieve that perfect pourable texture before generously spooning it over your salad.
Conversely, if your primary intention is to use this versatile creation as a delectable dip, you’ll absolutely love the rich, thick texture it achieves straight from the refrigerator. For dipping, you might not need to add any milk at all, embracing its robust, scoopable consistency.
Step 3: Assemble Your Vibrant Southwestern Salad Base
With your sensational chipotle ranch dressing perfected, it’s time to build the foundation of your salad. Start with a generous bed of your favorite leafy greens. I particularly enjoy a mix of crisp romaine lettuce and tender spinach for a good variety of texture and nutrients. Then, get creative with your fresh vegetables! I love incorporating vibrant sweet peppers (red, yellow, or orange), thinly sliced green onions for a mild bite, and even a few delicate radishes for a peppery crunch. During the bountiful summer months, freshly picked homegrown tomatoes and sweetcorn kernels make truly spectacular additions, bringing bursts of natural sweetness. For an extra kick, I often sprinkle in some cubed pepper jack cheese, but feel free to use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend. The beauty of this salad lies in its adaptability: use whatever fresh produce you have on hand, or embark on a fun trip to the market to gather your absolute favorites. Make this salad uniquely your own!
Step 4: Prepare the Hearty Crispy Steak Strips
The next step involves preparing the delicious and convenient Crispy Steak Strips from Great American Comfort Classics. Simply follow the cooking instructions provided on the package. These fully cooked steak strips are incredibly versatile and can typically be heated quickly in an oven, air fryer, or even a microwave, ensuring they’re ready to top your salad in just a few minutes, even on the busiest of evenings.
Once your steak strips are cooked to a crispy, golden perfection, artfully arrange the warm Crispy Steak Strips over your beautifully assembled salad base. Finally, generously drizzle your freshly made homemade Chipotle Ranch Dressing over the entire dish. Serve immediately and savor every delicious, satisfying bite!
LOVE IT? PIN IT!
Don’t let this incredible recipe get lost! Be sure to save this Homemade Chipotle Ranch Dressing and Southwestern Steak Salad recipe to your favorite Pinterest recipe board. This way, you’ll always have quick and easy access to this flavorful family meal whenever the craving strikes!
More About Great American Comfort Classics: Your Solution for Easy Meals
As I’ve highlighted, Great American Comfort Classics is a brand that has truly impressed me, and for good reason! I was delighted when I was asked to try their new line of convenience items at my local Hy-Vee supermarket. Comfort Classics, operating under the reputable Great American brand, represents a revolutionary new collection of fully cooked, high-quality protein comfort food classics. Their diverse range of products includes hearty Southern Style Chicken Breast Fillets, tender Meatloaf Slices, the delectable Crispy Steak Strips we used today, traditional Country Fried Steaks, and even unique Chicken & Waffle Style Bites. Each product is crafted to deliver authentic, satisfying flavors that evoke a sense of home-cooked goodness.
Every item within the Comfort Classics line has been thoughtfully developed with busy parents and savvy consumers in mind. The brand specifically addresses the universal need for high-quality, great-tasting, and incredibly convenient ways to prepare wholesome meals for their families. We all know how demanding life can be; between work commitments, managing children’s schedules, and the countless other responsibilities of daily life, finding time to cook from scratch isn’t always feasible. Comfort Classics provides a brilliant alternative, allowing families to avoid the less healthy drive-thru options and instead gather around the dinner table to enjoy much-needed quality family time after even the most chaotic day. These ready-to-prepare proteins offer a shortcut to deliciousness, ensuring that a comforting, nutritious meal is always within reach.
The Comfort Classics range offers a wonderful variety of proteins, each designed for maximum convenience. Whether you prefer baking, microwaving, or air frying, these products can be prepared using your preferred method, delivering a satisfying meal that’s ready to eat in mere minutes. This flexibility makes them an invaluable asset for any busy kitchen, promising a stress-free cooking experience without compromising on flavor or quality.
Creative Ways I’ve Enjoyed Comfort Classic Proteins
I’ve had the pleasure of integrating these quick and easy Comfort Classic meats into a multitude of family meals, demonstrating their versatility beyond just a simple heat-and-serve option.
Back in April, I shared a truly comforting meal featuring their Southern Fried Chicken Fillets. I showcased how easily this classic breaded chicken, paired with a fresh green veggie, my signature Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes, and Comfort Classics’ delicious gravy, could be on the table in a mere 45 minutes! Yes, you read that right – a full, Sunday-supper quality meal achieved in under an hour, thanks to these convenient proteins.
In May, I continued exploring their offerings by sharing a delightful comfort meal of Corn Pie, accompanied by creamy mashed red potatoes and my cherished Grandma’s Pork ‘n Beans recipe. The star of that plate was undoubtedly the Comfort Classics Country Fried Steak, generously topped with gravy, proving how effortlessly these proteins integrate into traditional family favorites.
Last month, I decided to take a different approach. Instead of simply pairing their delicious protein options with comforting side dishes, I wanted to demonstrate how you could transform one of their already tasty products into a meal you might not have considered making at home from scratch. Using their innovative Chicken & Waffle Bites, I created a mouthwatering Homemade Sweet & Sour Chicken! This showed the incredible adaptability of the Comfort Classics line, proving they can be the foundation for a wide range of creative culinary endeavors.
This month, as you’ve seen, I’m showcasing another fantastic way to utilize their Crispy Steak Strips: in a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying summery salad. This salad is hearty enough to please even the biggest appetites, offering a wholesome and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
What’s to Love About Great American Comfort Classics Crispy Steak Strips?
Beyond the sheer convenience, there’s so much to appreciate about these Crispy Steak Strips. Firstly, the fact that you can prepare them in a matter of minutes—whether using your microwave, air fryer, or oven—is a huge time-saver for any busy household. They arrive fully cooked, taking the guesswork out of meal prep. These delicious beef patty strip fritters are crafted with premium ingredients, ensuring a high-quality taste that rivals homemade. Crucially, they are an excellent source of protein. Protein is vital for keeping you feeling full and satisfied for longer, making this salad not just delicious but also incredibly satiating. When combined with a colorful array of wonderful fresh vegetables and a homemade dressing crafted with wholesome dairy, this Southwestern steak salad recipe transforms into a complete, balanced, and utterly irresistible meal that you’ll want to make again and again!
And for those days when you’re craving a classic, old-fashioned comfort meal, these steak strips are just as perfect! Simply whip up the accompanying packet of peppered white gravy and serve these delightful steak strips over warm, fluffy biscuits. It’s a nostalgic meal made effortless, bringing that taste of home right to your table.
Expert Tips for Crafting the Perfect Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Making your own dressing is incredibly rewarding, and with these expert tips, you’ll achieve perfection every time:
- You won’t typically use an entire can of chipotle chili peppers for one batch of dressing. Don’t let the leftovers go to waste! Simply transfer the remaining peppers and adobo sauce into an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag and toss them in the freezer. They’ll be perfectly preserved and ready to add a smoky kick to other recipes like a hearty chili, flavorful enchiladas, or even a spicy marinade.
- For those who aren’t keen on cilantro’s flavor, feel free to substitute fresh parsley. It offers a bright, herbaceous note that complements the ranch beautifully without overpowering the other ingredients.
- To add an extra layer of brightness and zest, the fresh juice of half a lime is a fantastic addition to this dressing. It provides a subtle tang that really brings out the other flavors, especially the smoky chipotle.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to milk. You can confidently use any type of milk you have on hand – whole milk, skim milk, almond milk, or soy milk will all work well to adjust the dressing’s consistency.
- Remember, this isn’t just a salad dressing! This homemade chipotle ranch also shines as a wonderfully yummy ranch dip. Elevate your snack time by dipping everything from hot wings, pizza slices, and mozzarella sticks to fresh crunchy veggies, crackers, and so much more into this irresistible homemade creation.
- For optimal freshness and flavor, store your homemade chipotle ranch dressing in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to ten days, allowing you to enjoy its fantastic taste over multiple meals.
Does Chipotle Ranch Have Gluten?
One of the many benefits of crafting your own dressing from scratch is knowing exactly what goes into it. This homemade chipotle ranch dressing recipe is completely free of gluten! Unlike many store-bought ranch dressings that often contain hidden additives, fillers, or thickeners that might include gluten, this clean and simple homemade version ensures you’re enjoying a delicious dressing without any of that “extra stuff.” It’s a fantastic option for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone simply looking for a more natural, wholesome condiment.
Where You Can Find Great American Comfort Classics Products
Excitingly, Great American Comfort Classics launched its innovative new line of fully cooked proteins in select Hy-Vee stores across Omaha and neighboring Midwest states in April 2021. When you visit your local Hy-Vee, look for the Comfort Classics products prominently displayed in the frozen aisle. But don’t despair if you don’t reside in these specific areas! Many other local supermarkets may also carry the Great American brand. To quickly find a retailer near you, I highly recommend checking out the store locator feature on the Great American Brand’s official website for the most up-to-date details.
What if your local grocery store isn’t listed as carrying these delicious comfort food classics? There’s still something you can do! Your feedback can make a real difference. Consider filling out a comment card at your preferred supermarket or, even better, speak directly with the store manager to express your interest. Request that they stock Great American Comfort Classics for you and your community. Additionally, be sure to follow Great American Comfort Classics on their Facebook page for more information, exciting recipe ideas, and updates on new product availability. Your voice helps bring these convenient and tasty meal solutions to more families!
Mark your calendars! Stay tuned next month for another fantastic recipe, perfect for back-to-school dinners and tailgating parties, featuring their versatile and delicious meatloaf slices!
Love Salads? Explore These Amazing Dressings, Sauces, and Salad Recipes!
If you’re as passionate about fresh, vibrant salads as we are, you’ll be delighted to explore some of our other favorite recipes for dressings, sauces, and full-fledged salads. These options are perfect for expanding your culinary repertoire and adding exciting new flavors to your meal rotation:
- Homemade Thousand Island Dressing: A classic, tangy, and sweet dressing that’s far superior to store-bought versions.
- Loaded Spinach Salad: Packed with delicious toppings and a luscious creamy roasted garlic dressing.
- Bacon Cashew Broccoli Salad: A crunchy, savory, and incredibly satisfying side dish or light meal.
- Pasta Salad with Bacon and Ranch: A creamy, hearty pasta salad that’s a potluck favorite.
- Greek-Style Cucumber Salad: Refreshing, light, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
- Chipotle Paste: A versatile ingredient to add smoky heat to countless dishes.
Let’s make a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal the whole family is sure to love! Here’s the complete recipe for this delightful Southwestern Steak Salad with Homemade Chipotle Ranch Dressing!!
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Print Recipe
Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Equipment
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
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Ninja BN601 Professional Plus Food Processor 9-Cup Capacity and a Silver Stainless Finish
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KitchenAid Renewed 3.5-Cup Food Chopper
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 Tablespoon scallions chopped
- 1/2 Tablespoon fresh dill minced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 chipotle Chili Peppers in Adobo Sauce + 1/2 teaspoon of the sauce
- sprinkle of salt & pepper to taste
- 2 Tablespoons to 1/4 cup of milk
Instructions
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Combine the mayo, sour cream, chipotle peppers and sauce, fresh herbs, and spices in a food processor or blender until smooth.
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Give it a taste and sprinkle with salt and pepper to your liking.
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At this stage, the dressing will be thick and will thicken even more when you refrigerate it. So, if you plan to eat it immediately, add about 2 Tablespoons of milk to the dressing to thin it out. Planning to enjoy it as a dip? Simply omit the milk. If you refrigerate the dressing before serving, you may need to add in a couple more Tablespoons of milk before pouring over your salad.
Notes
Parsley makes a good substitute for those who don’t care for cilantro.
The juice of a half lime is also a nice addition to this dressing.