Hey there, Jason Griffith here! Salads don’t have to be boring or just a side dish. Today, we’re taking the humble salad and transforming it into a vibrant, flavor-packed, and utterly satisfying meal with our Sriracha Bacon Elevated Loaded Salad Bowl Pepper Jack Power! This isn’t just a salad; it’s an explosion of textures and tastes, combining the smoky crunch of bacon with a spicy kick, creamy avocado, and the bold flavor of Pepper Jack cheese. Get ready for a salad that you’ll actually crave!
Why I Love This Recipe
I am a huge fan of salads that are so packed with goodness, they become a complete meal, and this one certainly delivers! What I love most is the dynamic interplay of flavors: the salty, savory bacon, the creamy avocado, the fresh crunch of the veggies, and that fantastic Pepper Jack Power delivering a mild, spicy warmth. And the dressing? The combination of Sriracha and ranch is unexpectedly brilliant – creamy, tangy, and with just the right amount of heat. It’s a healthy-ish option that feels indulgent and keeps you coming back for more. If you’re into delicious and easy salads, you might also like my recipe for A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (and there’s no mayo in sight!)!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to build your incredibly delicious Sriracha Bacon Elevated Loaded Salad Bowl:
- 4 slices of bacon (your preferred thickness)
- 1 head of romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
- 1/4 cup black beans (canned, rinsed, and drained)
- 1/4 cup diced avocado
- 1/4 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste (for seasoning and dressing)
Swaps and Notes
- Bacon: Any type of bacon will work. For convenience, you can also use pre-cooked bacon bits, but freshly cooked crispy bacon is always superior!
- Lettuce: Romaine provides a great crunch, but mixed greens, iceberg, or even spinach could be used.
- Veggies: This recipe is highly customizable! Feel free to add or swap veggies like diced cucumber, bell peppers, radishes, or even a handful of cilantro.
- Corn & Black Beans: Canned or frozen work great. If using canned, rinse thoroughly.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: This cheese adds a fantastic subtle heat. If you prefer less spice, use Monterey Jack or cheddar. For more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Sriracha & Ranch: Adjust the ratio of Sriracha to ranch based on your desired level of spice. You can add more Sriracha for a bigger kick, or more ranch for creaminess.
- Avocado: Ensure your avocado is ripe but firm enough to dice easily. A squeeze of lime juice on the diced avocado can prevent browning if you’re not serving immediately.
Steps for the Recipe
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the 4 slices of bacon until they are perfectly crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Prepare the Salad Base: Wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped lettuce in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the Veggies and Cheese: To the bowl with the lettuce, add the halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, shredded carrots, corn kernels, black beans, diced avocado, and shredded pepper jack cheese.
- Make the Dressing: In a small separate bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of Sriracha sauce and 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing. Whisk well until thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust to your preferred level of spice and creaminess.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared Sriracha-ranch dressing over all the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss and Serve: Using large tongs or your hands, gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Divide the loaded salad among serving bowls.
- Finally, top each bowl with the crumbled, crispy bacon.
- Enjoy! Serve the Sriracha Bacon Elevated Loaded Salad Bowl with Pepper Jack Power immediately and savor this spicy, bacon-loaded goodness!
Tips for Success
- Crispy Bacon: The crispiness of the bacon is crucial for texture. Don’t undercook it!
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, vibrant vegetables for the best taste and visual appeal.
- Dress Just Before Serving: To prevent the lettuce from wilting and the avocado from browning, dress the salad immediately before serving.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the Sriracha to your personal spice tolerance. You can always add a little more at the end if you want extra kick.
- Even Distribution: Take your time tossing the salad to ensure every component gets a good coating of dressing.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Sriracha Bacon Elevated Loaded Salad Bowl is a complete and satisfying meal on its own. For a lighter touch, it’s fantastic with a side of crusty bread. It could also make a vibrant side dish to grilled chicken or fish. For other flavorful, easy meals that have a bit of a kick, you might like my Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage. To cool down the heat, a refreshing glass of Blueberry Lemonade would be a perfect beverage pairing!
Storage and Leftover Tips
This salad is definitely best enjoyed fresh due to the avocado and the dressing. If you anticipate leftovers, it’s best to store the dressing, bacon, and avocado separately from the other salad ingredients. Mix and assemble only what you plan to eat immediately. Diced avocado can be tossed with a little lime juice to prevent browning if prepped ahead.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the bold flavors and hearty nature of this loaded salad, you’ll find plenty more delicious inspiration on Chef Maniac!
- For another fantastic, easy meal with a Southwestern twist, check out my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole.
- And if you’re looking for another quick way to feed a crowd, These Sheet Pan Quesadillas are always a huge hit!
Final Thoughts
The Sriracha Bacon Elevated Loaded Salad Bowl Pepper Jack Power proves that salads can be exciting, dynamic, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a perfect blend of smoky, savory, creamy, and spicy, making it a fantastic choice for a healthy-ish yet indulgent meal.
I hope you give this vibrant salad a try and let me know how you like its spicy kick! What are your favorite unexpected salad ingredients? Share your ideas and culinary adventures in the comments below, or tag us on social media. And don’t forget to keep following Chef Maniac for more delicious inspiration! Happy tossing!
Leave a Reply