This colorful salad is packed with fresh veggies like bell peppers, corn, and black beans, making it a crunchy delight. The zesty cilantro-lime dressing adds a tasty twist that wakes up your taste buds!
Honestly, I love how quick and easy this salad is to whip up. It’s a perfect side for any meal or just for munching on when you need a healthy snack. Plus, you can always add your favorite toppings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Lettuce: This gives a nice crunch. If you want a different taste, you can use iceberg or a mix of greens like spinach and arugula. The key is to have something that stays crisp!
Cherry Tomatoes: I love using cherry tomatoes because they are sweet and bite-sized. If they’re out of season, feel free to swap in diced regular tomatoes or even canned tomatoes for convenience, though they may be softer.
Corn Kernels: Fresh corn is great in summer, but frozen corn works year-round! If you’re looking for a twist, canned corn, drained and rinsed, is perfectly fine too.
Black Beans: These beans add protein and fiber. If you’re not a fan, try kidney beans or chickpeas instead. They both have great flavor and texture!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro packs a punch! If you’re not a fan, you can substitute with parsley for a milder flavor, or skip it altogether for a different dressing profile.
How Can You Get Creamy, Flavorful Dressing without Clumps?
Making a smooth dressing is crucial for this recipe! Using a blender or food processor is best here. If you don’t have either, you can whisk by hand—just be sure to really mix well.
- Combine all dressing ingredients in the blender.
- Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, lime juice, or pepper if desired.
This dressing can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Just mix it again before using to get that creamy texture back!
Easy Southwestern Chopped Salad With Zesty Cilantro-Lime Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup cooked corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
For the Zesty Cilantro-Lime Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad comes together in about 15 minutes! That’s just enough time to chop those veggies and blend your dressing. It’s the perfect quick meal or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
Start by washing and chopping your veggies. In a large bowl, toss together the chopped romaine lettuce, quartered cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, black beans, diced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions. Give it a gentle mix to combine these colorful ingredients.
2. Make the Zesty Dressing:
In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), fresh cilantro leaves, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, and chili powder if you want a little extra kick. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Dress the Salad:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Pour the creamy cilantro-lime dressing over the chopped salad mixture. Toss everything well to ensure all your veggies are nicely coated with that zesty dressing. Yum!
4. Add Avocado (Optional):
If you’re using avocado, gently fold in the diced pieces last. This will keep them from getting squished and allow you to enjoy those creamy bites!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your beautiful salad to a serving bowl or plate it up individually. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture. Enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite of your Southwestern chopped salad!
This salad not only tastes fantastic but also looks vibrant and inviting. Perfect for lunch, a side dish for dinner, or even a light snack!
Can I Use Different Types of Lettuce?
Absolutely! While romaine lettuce is crunchy and holds up well, you can use iceberg lettuce for a sweeter flavor or a mix of greens like spinach or arugula for added nutrition and variety.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Like Cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a milder taste, or simply leave it out altogether for a different flavor profile in your dressing.
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dressing a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be sure to give it a good shake or stir before using to mix it well again!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2-3 days. However, the avocado will brown, so it’s best to add it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
