You’ve likely had salads that left you feeling… underwhelmed. They’re either too light, too bland, or forgettable. This Smoky Ranch Salad with Bacon, Avocado, and Grilled Salmon flips the script. It brings you a fully loaded, flavor-packed bowl that satisfies your cravings and nourishes your body. Picture crisp greens, creamy avocado, smoky homemade ranch, savory salmon, and the satisfying crunch of bacon and fire-roasted corn—all coming together in a balanced, vibrant dish. Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas
Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner, a power-packed lunch, or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next get-together, this salad delivers on all fronts.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Ranch Salad
This isn’t your average salad. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:
- ✅ Flavor Explosion: Every bite hits different—smoky, creamy, crispy, and tangy.
- ✅ Healthy Yet Hearty: Loaded with omega-3s, protein, and fiber—without feeling like a “diet” food.
- ✅ Customizable: Whether you’re low-carb, dairy-free, or meat-free, you can make it work for your lifestyle.
- ✅ Perfect for Meal Prep: Prepare the components ahead and build fresh bowls all week.
🛒 Ingredients Overview: What You’ll Need
Let’s break it down so you can easily shop and prep.
🧴 Smoked Ranch Dressing
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
Greek yogurt/sour cream | ½ cup |
Milk/buttermilk | ½ cup |
Vinegar or lemon juice | 1 tsp (or to taste) |
Freeze-dried dill | 2 tsp |
Freeze-dried chives/fresh | 2 tsp or 2 tbsp fresh |
Smoked paprika | 1–2 tsp |
Onion powder | ½ tsp |
Garlic powder | ½ tsp |
Salt | ½ tsp |
Black pepper | To taste |
🌶 Pepper Confit
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Olive oil | 3 tbsp |
Mini sweet peppers | 1 lb |
Garlic | 3 cloves |
Red wine vinegar | 1 tbsp |
Salt | To taste |
🥗 Salad Base
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Spring mix | 5 oz |
Salmon/chicken | 24 oz |
Avocados | 3 (halved) |
Cooked bacon | 1 lb (crumbled) |
Fire-roasted corn | 2 cups |
Sunflower seeds | ¼ cup |
👨🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make the Perfect Smoky Ranch Salad
You’re not just tossing ingredients in a bowl—this salad is crafted with care.
Step 1: Make the Smoked Ranch Dressing
Start by combining all the ingredients in a jar with a lid. Shake it up until everything blends into a creamy, smoky masterpiece.
- Use buttermilk if you like a thinner consistency.
- Add more smoked paprika for a deeper BBQ-style flavor.
- Store in the fridge for up to a week—shake before using.
Step 2: Cook the Pepper Confit
This slow-cooked pepper mix adds a sweet, caramelized contrast.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced mini sweet peppers.
- Cook for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- At the 15-minute mark, add sliced garlic.
- In the last 5 minutes, deglaze with red wine vinegar.
Step 3: Roast the Bacon
Crispy bacon is non-negotiable here.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lay out strips of bacon.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
Step 4: Bake the Salmon (or Chicken)
A simple oven-baked method makes this stress-free.
- Pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Let it rest before flaking into chunks.
Step 5: Assemble Your Salad
Now for the fun part—building your bowl.
- Start with spring mix.
- Add sliced avocado.
- Top with crumbled bacon, roasted corn, sunflower seeds.
- Layer in the salmon.
- Drizzle generously with smoked ranch.
- Finish with a spoonful of pepper confit.
🔥 Pro Tips to Elevate Your Salad Game
Take your Smoky Ranch Salad from great to unforgettable.
- Char your corn: If you’re using canned or frozen corn, toss it in a hot pan for a few minutes.
- Fresh herbs = fresh flavor: Use fresh chives and dill when you can.
- Customize your spice: Add a dash of cayenne to the dressing if you like heat.
- Don’t overdress: Add dressing little by little so your greens stay crisp.
🧠 Nutrition & Serving Info
Here’s what you’re getting in every bowl.
Feature | Detail |
---|---|
Servings | 4 |
Calories | ~550 per serving |
Protein | ~35g |
Prep Time | 15 minutes |
Cook Time | 30 minutes |
Total Time | 45 minutes |
Category | Salad, Main Course |
🧪 Variations & Substitutions
Here’s how to tailor the salad to your lifestyle or pantry.
- Protein options:
- Grilled chicken thighs
- Shrimp or scallops
- Tofu for a vegetarian twist
- Dairy-free?
- Use vegan mayo and plant-based yogurt.
- Low-carb?
- Omit corn and swap avocado oil mayo.
- Add-ins:
- Pickled red onions
- Crumbled goat cheese
- Roasted chickpeas
🧊 Meal Prep and Storage Tips
You can absolutely make this ahead. Here’s how:
- Store dressing separately in a jar.
- Keep greens dry and sealed.
- Bacon and protein should be cooled and stored airtight.
- Pepper confit lasts up to 5 days in the fridge.
When ready to serve, assemble fresh and enjoy.

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Smoky Ranch Salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prep each ingredient and store separately. Assemble just before eating to keep things fresh and crisp.
What gives the ranch its smoky flavor?
Smoked paprika is the hero. For extra depth, use smoked salt or a touch of chipotle powder.
Can I use store-bought ranch dressing?
You can, but making your own smoked version adds a unique, rich flavor that’s hard to beat.
What’s the best salmon for this recipe?
Use skinless fillets, preferably wild-caught for better flavor and nutrition. Fresh or thawed frozen works equally well.
💬 Conclusion: A Salad Worth Getting Excited About
Let’s be honest—salads don’t always inspire excitement. But this Smoky Ranch Salad with Bacon, Avocado, and Grilled Salmon isn’t about minimalism. It’s about bold layers, hearty ingredients, and a flavor journey that leaves you feeling full and satisfied. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to a gourmet homemade meal, this salad won’t disappoint.
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Smoky Ranch Salad with Bacon, Avocado, and Grilled Salmon: Bold Flavors, Wholesome Ingredients, and a Fresh Twist on Dinner
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
- This smoky ranch salad combines bacon, salmon, avocado & more for a protein-packed, flavor-rich dinner option.
Ingredients
- For the Smoked Ranch Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- ½ cup milk (or buttermilk)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar (or lemon juice, more to taste)
- 2 teaspoons freeze-dried dill
- 2 teaspoons freeze-dried chives (or 2 tablespoons fresh chives)
- 1–2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- For the Pepper Confit:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound mini sweet peppers, sliced into rings
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced thinly
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- For the Salad:
- 5 ounces spring mix (about 1–2 cups per serving)
- 24 ounces salmon (or chicken), about 3-4 ounces per serving
- 3 avocados (about half an avocado per serving)
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups fire-roasted corn
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
Instructions
- Make the Smoked Ranch Dressing: In a jar, combine all dressing ingredients. Shake until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more vinegar or smoked paprika if desired.
- Prepare the Pepper Confit: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mini sweet peppers and sauté for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re browned and soft. In the last 10-15 minutes, add the garlic and cook until soft and golden. In the last 5 minutes, add the red wine vinegar to brighten up the flavors and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Cook the Bacon: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the bacon on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until crispy. Drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate, then crumble for the salad.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon dry and season with salt and pepper. Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your preferred level of doneness.
- Assemble the Salad: Layer the spring mix greens, crumbled bacon, avocado slices, fire-roasted corn, sunflower seeds, and salmon (or chicken) on a large plate or bowl. Top with the smoky ranch dressing and pepper confit.
- Details:
- This smoky ranch salad is packed with fresh, flavorful ingredients like creamy avocado, crispy bacon, juicy grilled salmon, and a tangy smoked ranch dressing. It’s a deliciously balanced salad perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner. The smoky ranch dressing and pepper confit bring a unique depth of flavor to every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 550 kcal per serving
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