Are you ready to transform your ordinary salad into a mouthwatering culinary adventure? This Santa Fe-inspired Southwest Salad is not just a meal—it's a vibrant fiesta of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Mexican cuisine! Packed with fresh ingredients, zesty dressing, and a perfect balance of textures, this salad is about to become your new obsession. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a refreshing dinner, or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn, cooked
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all fresh ingredients by washing the mixed greens thoroughly and spinning or patting dry to remove excess moisture.
- Rinse the black beans under cold water and drain completely to remove any canning liquid.
- If using fresh corn, cook the corn kernels by either boiling for 3-4 minutes or grilling for added smoky flavor. Allow to cool to room temperature.
- Dice the avocado into small, uniform cubes. To prevent browning, toss gently with a little lime juice.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion into half-moon shapes.
- Chop the fresh cilantro, keeping some leaves whole for garnish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- In a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens as the base of the salad.
- Artfully arrange black beans, corn, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion over the greens.
- Drizzle the lime-olive oil dressing evenly across the salad.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top as a final garnish.
- Serve immediately to ensure crisp greens and fresh flavors. Optional: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Tips
- Freshness is Key: Always use the freshest ingredients possible. Crisp greens, ripe avocados, and vibrant cherry tomatoes make all the difference.
- Corn Cooking Hack: For an extra layer of flavor, try grilling your corn instead of boiling. The smoky char adds incredible depth to the salad.
- Avocado Protection: Prevent browning by tossing diced avocado with a little lime juice immediately after cutting.
- Dressing Customization: Adjust the lime juice and olive oil ratio to suit your taste. Want it tangier? Add more lime. Prefer it richer? Increase the olive oil.
- Protein Power: Make this salad a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Prep in Advance: Chop vegetables and make the dressing ahead of time, but assemble the salad just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
