Spicy Ranch Chopped Chicken Cabbage Salad
This Spicy Ranch Chopped Chicken Cabbage Salad is a crisp, refreshing, and protein-packed meal with a bold kick of heat. It combines shredded cabbage, crunchy veggies, juicy grilled chicken, and a creamy homemade spicy ranch dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this salad is both nutritious and incredibly satisfying!
⏳ Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad:
2 cups shredded green cabbage
2 cups shredded purple cabbage
2 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
1 cup carrots, shredded
½ cup red bell pepper, diced
½ cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen & thawed)
½ cup black beans, drained & rinsed
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
¼ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or crushed tortilla chips (for crunch)
For the Spicy Ranch Dressing:
½ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
¼ cup buttermilk (or regular milk for a thinner dressing)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried dill
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
1. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill or pan-sear for 5-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or shred the chicken.
Step 2: Make the Spicy Ranch Dressing
1. In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or mayo), buttermilk, lime juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dill, salt, and pepper.
2. Adjust spiciness by adding more hot sauce if desired.
3. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
1. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, romaine, carrots, bell pepper, corn, black beans, red onion, and cilantro.
2. Add sliced or shredded chicken.
3. Drizzle with spicy ranch dressing and toss to coat evenly.
4. Top with pepitas or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 3 days for meal prep.
Notes & Tips
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A:Yes! Store the dressing separately and toss before serving to keep everything crisp.
What protein alternatives can I use?
A:Grilled shrimp
Crispy tofu
Rotisserie chicken
How do I make it dairy-free?
A:Use dairy-free yogurt and almond or oat milk instead of buttermilk.
Can I add extra toppings?
A:Avocado slices
Pickled jalapenos
Crumbled cotija or feta cheese
Nutritional Information
Calories: 380
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 6g
This Spicy Ranch Chopped Chicken Cabbage Salad is packed with bold flavors, crisp textures, and just the right amount of heat. It’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy a protein-rich, veggie-loaded meal!