Smoky bacon, spicy chipotle peppers and tangy ranch dressing combine to create an irresistible version of our favorite ranch dressing. Bacon Chipotle Ranch Dressing is the perfect mix of spicy heat and cool creamy dressing.
I use this Bacon Chipotle Ranch as a dip with our fresh vegetable boxes, as a sauce for grilled chicken and we dip roasted potatoes into it. This has been a favorite in our house for over three years now.
The key to a great chopped salad is making sure all ingredients are chopped into pieces as uniform as possible. That way, each bite contains all of the individual flavors. My boys frequently ask if I’m making a “chopped salad” instead of the more traditional versions. The chopped salad is definitely their favorite!
COOK’S NOTE: If you enjoy a little more heat, feel free to add an additional chipotle pepper to the dressing. The dressing will keep well in the refrigerator for at least a week.
Chopped Chicken and Black Bean Salad
(printable recipe)
6 cups romaine lettuce, sliced thinly and then chopped into 1/2″ pieces
1 large cucumber, peeled, sliced thinly and then chopped small
2 large carrots, peeled, sliced thinly and then chopped small
1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
¾ cup black beans, room temperature
1 cup frozen or canned corn, warmed just to room temperature
1 ½ cups cooked chicken, diced very small into 1/2″ or smaller pieces
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional: cooked and crumbled bacon
Smoky Bacon Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Yield: about 1 cup
1 cup Homemade Ranch Dressing, or your favorite store-bought ranch dressing
¼ teaspoon cumin
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, diced finely
3 strips of bacon, cooked, (2-3 tablespoons diced finely)
Stir together the ranch dressing, cumin and diced pepper. Set aside to chill in the refrigerator.
Place 3 strips of bacon (or more, if you are adding it to the salad as well) on a foil lined baking sheet. Place in a cold oven and set temperature to 425. Cook for 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp as desired. Remove to paper towels to drain. Finely chop the bacon and add to the dressing. Stir to combine. Serve immediately or place in refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy!
{originally posted 5-21-12 – recipe notes and photos updated 5-28-15}
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Becki's Whole Life says
I love this dressing so much. I would never get bored with salads if I could pour this over it every night! My girls are starting to love their salads and I agree, chopped salads are the way to go for little mouths and forks. Also, the spice with the bacon is the perfect combo.
Joanne says
To be fair, unless the salad has some seriously awesome mix-ins, the dressing is the best part! Mmm chipotle. Can't go wrong once you throw that into the mix.
Jenn says
Love adding chipotle to just about anything these days. The dressing sounds wonderful!
Tricia @ saving room for dessert says
Not only are you the smoothie queen, you are quickly becoming the salad and dressing expert of the blog-e-sphere! This sounds wonderful, again 🙂 Go Mary!
Sue/the view from great island says
I agree with Tricia, and I love the salad dressing 'action shot'!!
Angie's Recipes says
Love ranching dressing! Been using it for my salads 😉
myFudo says
Love the ranch dressing…Adding chipotle will surely add more flavor. I can't wait to try this.
Blond Duck says
It sounds delicious!
Katerina says
I am in a salad mood lately too! Yours looks perfect Mary! I would love to try it!
Andrea {From the Bookshelf} says
This looks wonderful! And bacon, how can it be bad!
nancy at good food matters says
the cooling buttermilk in the ranch tempers the chipotle heat in a pleasant way—terrific dressing. and you're right—how you cut the vegetables makes a huge difference in their taste.
The Slow Roasted Italian says
I have some chipotle's in the fridge from my dipping sauce. I may have to break out the other ingredients too. YUM!
Sue/the view from great island says
You need to be the next Paul Newman and market your own line of Barefeet salad dressings!!
taylor @ greens & chocolate says
Bacon Chipotle Ranch?! Hand me a spoon! Okay, okay, I'll eat it with veggies 🙂 This salad looks delicious!