This colorful Southwestern chopped salad is packed with fresh veggies like juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, and crunchy bell peppers. Topped with a zesty cilantro-lime dressing, it’s both tasty and refreshing!
Perfect for a quick lunch or a side at dinner, this salad will make you want to dance around the kitchen! đź•ş I love how easy it is to mix and match ingredients based on what I have at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Lettuce: It’s crunchy and fresh, making it perfect for salads. If you want a different texture, use iceberg lettuce or even spinach for a softer bite.
Cherry Tomatoes: They are sweet and juicy! However, you can easily substitute with any diced tomato. I like using grape tomatoes as they’re just as sweet and a bit firmer.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds a nice crunch and sweetness. If you want to mix it up, use yellow bell peppers for a similar flavor or even diced jalapeños for a kick!
Avocado: It adds creaminess to the salad. If you can’t find any or want to keep it lighter, omit it or swap for diced cucumber for that refreshing crunch.
Cilantro: This herb gives the dressing its unique flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try parsley for a different yet fresh taste.
What’s the Best Way to Make Creamy Dressing?
Making the cilantro-lime dressing is super simple, and it really elevates this salad! Here’s how to achieve a creamy, smooth consistency:
- Start by adding Greek yogurt (or sour cream) to your blender—it creates a great base.
- Add cilantro, lime juice, garlic, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until everything is well combined!
- If the dressing seems too thick, add water, one tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.
Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning—sometimes a pinch more salt makes a big difference!
Easy Southwestern Chopped Salad With Cilantro-Lime Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup cooked corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
For the Cilantro-Lime Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water to thin, as needed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty salad comes together quickly! It takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 5 minutes to whip up the dressing. If you choose to chill the salad to meld the flavors, allow about 15-20 minutes of extra time. So, you can have this delicious salad ready in about 30-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
Start by washing and chopping the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Next, quarter the cherry tomatoes, dice the red bell pepper, slice the green onions, and if you’re using it, dice the avocado. All these colorful veggies will make your salad pop!
2. Mix the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine, quartered cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, cooked corn, drained black beans, sliced green onions, and diced avocado if you’re using it. Gently toss these ingredients together to create a vibrant salad base.
3. Make the Cilantro-Lime Dressing:
For the dressing, add the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), fresh cilantro, fresh lime juice, garlic, honey, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend everything together until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle your creamy cilantro-lime dressing over the salad. Toss everything together gently to ensure all the veggies are coated evenly with that delicious dressing.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
You can serve the salad immediately for a fresh crunch, or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld. Either way, you’re in for a delightful treat!
Enjoy your fresh, flavorful Southwestern chopped salad with vibrant cilantro-lime dressing!
FAQ for Easy Southwestern Chopped Salad With Cilantro-Lime Dressing
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative by adding or substituting vegetables. Some great options include diced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick. Just keep the colors bright for a beautiful salad!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you have extra dressing, keep it separate to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Just add the dressing right before serving!
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes, the cilantro-lime dressing can be made ahead of time! Just prepare it and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Give it a quick stir before using, as it may thicken in the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt in the Dressing?
If you’re looking to switch up the dressing, you can use sour cream, buttermilk, or even a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Each will give a slightly different flavor, so choose according to your preference!
