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I never liked ranch dressing until I made it myself. It always tasted salty and overly processed, and sometimes has a gluey texture that’s anything but creamy. I could never understand why people liked it so much.
Then I made it myself, and it’s one of my favorites. I’ll even order it out sometimes, but only if I’m sure it doesn’t come from a bottle.
This version is a bit spicy from the addition of jalapenos, and is delicious on this salad topped with barbecue salmon. The salmon is easy enough — season with your favorite barbecue seasoning (mine comes from here) and then saute until almost blackened.
The salad is a mix of Romaine, kale, and spinach, with additions like juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, bell peppers, and crunchy tortilla strips. I change this based on what I have on hand. Sometimes, avocado. Sometimes a little cheese. Black beans? Delicious. Truly, whatever you think sounds good in this salad will probably be good, so just go with it.
Barbecue Salmon Salad with Buttermilk Jalapeno Ranch
A creamy, spicy ranch dressing and blackened salmon make for a healthy, filling meal.
Ingredients
Jalapeno Ranch:
- 1 bunch parsley
- 1 bunch dill
- 1 bunch chives
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 jalapeno stemmed
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- Salad:
- 1 large head Romaine chopped
- 1 bunch kale chopped and massaged
- 1 cup spinach chopped
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 10 cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup broken tortilla chips
- 2 salmon filets
- 1 tablespoon barbecue seasoning
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
Instructions
- Make the ranch — put everything in a blender and blend until smooth. Taste, season with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Toss the salad ingredients in a large bowl.
- Season the salmon with the barbecue seasoning. Heat a heavy skillet over medium high heat and add the oil. Sear the salmon until well browned on both sides and cook to your liking.
- Add the dressing to the salad and toss. Divide into bowls and top with the salmon.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
