Chipotle Ranch Taco Salad

Our Chipotle Ranch Chopped Salad Kit is certainly a feisty one. Romaine lettuce, red cabbage, carrot, sweet corn, a taco-seasoned blend of Colby-jack, cheddar & manchego cheeses, crunchy tortilla chips, and a cool, creamy dressing infused with smoky chipotle peppers and zesty ranch. It’s already a salad kit loaded with bold and spicy flavors. As luck would have it, it also provides the ideal foundation for building a taco salad worthy of a standing ovation at the table. Plus, ground turkey, black beans, and avocado offer a substantial boost to the protein content, making this smoky taco salad all the more satisfying. And it’s all ready in under 30 minutes.

Total TIME:
25 Min.

SERVINGS:
1-2

Ingredients

1 Taylor Farms Chipotle Ranch Chopped Salad Kit
1/2 lb ground turkey
1 Tbsp taco seasoning
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup guacamole or mashed avocado

Directions

Cook the Turkey: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once the turkey is no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes), add the taco seasoning. If the seasoning mix requires water, add it according to the package instructions (usually about 1/4 cup). Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is fully cooked and the seasoning is well combined. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Prepare the Salad: In a medium bowl, empty the greens from the Chipotle Ranch Salad Kit. Add the Chipotle Ranch Dressing included in the kit and toss well to coat the greens evenly. Add the cooked and seasoned ground turkey to the salad.
Add the Toppings: Top the salad with the toppings from the kit including white tortilla chips, crisp corn, and cheddar and manchego cheese blend. Then add the diced tomatoes, black beans, and dollops of guacamole or mashed avocado. Serve immediately.

What Exactly is in Chipotle Seasoning?

Chipotle seasoning seems to be one of those things that we’re familiar with but we don’t actually know what goes into it. Smoky, robust, and pleasantly spicy, chipotle seasoning is primarily made from ground chipotle peppers — ripened jalapeños that have been smoked and dried. The seasoning often includes other ground ingredients like cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and sometimes additional spices such as paprika and coriander. Combining these ingredients results in a complex flavor profile that balances out the heat with a rich smokiness that takes to most anything you put it on.

In the kitchen, chipotle seasoning extends far beyond traditional Mexican dishes. It can be used to:

Enhance the flavor of roasted vegetables, adding plenty of smoky depth
Spice up homemade popcorn
Create a chipotle-infused honey glaze for chicken or pork
Add complexity to chocolate desserts, such as brownies or hot chocolate (a little goes a long way)
Season butters and spreads, giving a smoky kick to everyday dishes like corn on the cob or toast

And that’s just the start. Feel free to experiment with your favorite dishes to find more ways to use this surprisingly versatile seasoning!