Craving a fresh and zesty salad that brings the flavors of the Southwest to your table? This Southwestern salad is a delightful blend of colors and textures, perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at your next gathering. With its hearty ingredients, this Mexican-style salad is not just nutritious but also incredibly satisfying.
Imagine a bowl filled with crisp greens, black beans, corn, and vibrant veggies, all tossed in a cilantro lime dressing that adds a refreshing zing. This southwest salad recipe is an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy healthy chopped salad recipes that pack a punch of flavor. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or preparing for a summer barbecue, this salad is sure to impress.
Vibrant Southwestern Salad
This Southwestern salad is a delightful mix of colors and textures, perfect for those seeking a refreshing dish that embodies the essence of the Southwest. It features a medley of fresh greens, protein-rich black beans, and sweet corn, all enhanced by a zesty cilantro lime dressing. The visual appeal of this dish makes it a standout choice for any meal.
Imagine a bowl filled with crisp romaine and spinach, accompanied by diced red bell peppers and creamy avocado. This vibrant presentation not only pleases the eye but also offers a hearty and nutritious option for lunch or as a side at your next gathering.
Ingredients That Shine
The vibrant colors of this chopped salad recipe come from a variety of fresh ingredients. The mix of salad greens serves as a perfect base, while the black beans and corn add a satisfying texture and flavor. Fresh cherry tomatoes and red onions provide a burst of color and a zesty kick, making this a favorite among healthy chopped salad recipes.
One of the stars of this dish is the creamy avocado. Not only does it add richness, but it also enhances the overall taste profile, making it a truly satisfying bean and corn salad. Topped off with freshly chopped cilantro, this salad is a delightful explosion of flavors.
Crafting the Cilantro Lime Dressing
The southwest salad dressing is a key element that brings all the ingredients together. Combining olive oil, lime juice, and a hint of sweetness from honey or agave syrup creates a tangy and refreshing flavor that perfectly complements the salad. Ground cumin adds depth, making this dressing a highlight of the dish.
Preparing the dressing is simple and quick, taking only a few minutes to whisk together the ingredients. This homemade cilantro lime dressing not only boosts the flavors but also ensures that your salad is as fresh as possible.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This vibrant Southwestern chopped salad is versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick weeknight dinner or need a crowd-pleasing dish for summer barbecues, this Tex-Mex salad fits the bill. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it suitable for light lunches or festive gatherings.
With its healthy profile and satisfying ingredients, this south western salad can easily be the star of your meal or a delightful side. Pair it with grilled chicken or seafood for an even heartier option.
A Feast for the Senses
When presented in a rustic wooden bowl, this salad becomes even more inviting. Garnished with lime wedges and served alongside a fork, it sets the stage for an enjoyable dining experience. The contrast of the colorful ingredients against the earthy tones of the table enhances the overall appeal.
This salad not only tastes great but looks fantastic too, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or family meals. Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients create an atmosphere that invites everyone to dig in.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
One of the best aspects of this dish is how quickly it can be prepared. With a total time of just 15 minutes, this Southwestern chopped salad is an ideal option for those with busy schedules. Simply chop the ingredients, whip up the dressing, and combine them in a bowl for a nutritious meal in no time.
This salad serves four, making it a practical choice for families or small gatherings. Its simplicity and speed make it a favorite among those searching for quick yet healthy chopped salad recipes.
Delicious and Healthy Southwestern Salad
This Southwestern chopped salad is a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, protein-rich black beans, and sweet corn, all brought together with a tangy homemade cilantro lime dressing. The creamy avocado dressing adds an extra layer of richness, making this bean and corn salad not only healthy but also incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, etc.)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, avocado, and cilantro. Gently toss to combine.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the cilantro lime dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Divide the salad among plates and enjoy this refreshing Tex-Mex salad right away!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 210kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
