Chipotle Cheddar Chopped Salad

Chipotle Cheddar Chopped Salad is a bold, zesty salad loaded with smoky chipotle flavor, sharp cheddar cheese, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing with a spicy kick. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or your next potluck, this salad is easy to make and packed with crunchy texture and tangy goodness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Chipotle Cheddar Chopped Salad because it’s hearty enough to be a meal but fresh enough to keep things light. The chipotle adds just the right amount of smoky heat, while the cheddar balances it with creamy, sharp richness. It’s customizable, meal-prep friendly, and makes eating your veggies way more exciting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Romaine lettuce or mixed salad greens, chopped
• Red cabbage, shredded
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Red bell pepper, diced
• Sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Black beans, drained and rinsed
• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed
• Green onions, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips (optional, for crunch)

For the chipotle dressing:

• Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• Lime juice
• Honey or maple syrup
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, shredded cabbage, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, corn, black beans, cheddar cheese, green onions, and cilantro.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the chipotle dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to coat everything evenly.
4. Top with crunchy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips if desired.
5. Serve immediately or chill for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 15 minutes to prep. No cooking required!

Variations

• Add grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp for extra protein.
• Use pepper jack or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar for a different cheesy twist.
• Make it vegan by using dairy-free cheese and vegan mayo or yogurt.
• Add diced avocado for extra creaminess.
• Mix in cooked quinoa for more fiber and heartiness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chopped salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to keep the veggies crisp.

FAQs

What makes this salad smoky?

The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add a deep smoky flavor and gentle heat.

Can I make Chipotle Cheddar Chopped Salad ahead of time?

Yes! Chop all the veggies and store the dressing separately. Toss just before serving.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar adds great flavor, but you can use any cheese you love.

Is this salad spicy?

It has a mild-to-medium heat. Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to your preference.

Can I use a store-bought chipotle dressing?

You can, but homemade dressing tastes fresher and can be adjusted to your taste.

How do I make it lighter?

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter dressing.

What goes well with this salad?

Serve it with grilled meats, tacos, or as a hearty side dish for BBQs.

Can I add grains?

Yes, quinoa, brown rice, or farro make this salad even more filling.

What’s the best lettuce to use?

Romaine works great for its crunch, but you can use iceberg, mixed greens, or spinach.

How do I keep it crunchy?

Add tortilla strips or chips just before serving so they stay crisp.

Conclusion

Chipotle Cheddar Chopped Salad is a flavorful, crunchy salad that’s anything but boring. With smoky chipotle, sharp cheddar, and loads of fresh veggies, it’s a vibrant dish that works for lunch, dinner, or your next potluck. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a go-to favorite whenever you crave bold flavor and satisfying crunch!

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