Southwest Salad with Cilantro Dressing
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly fresh, this Southwest Salad with Cilantro Dressing is a vibrant medley of flavors and textures that’s perfect for any occasion. Crisp romaine lettuce forms the base, topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, protein-packed black beans, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and crunchy red bell pepper, all finished with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese and optional tortilla strips for added crunch. The star of the show is the homemade cilantro dressing, a creamy blend of Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a hint of honey, with optional jalapeño for a slight kick. Ready in just 20 minutes, this salad is a wholesome, colorful dish that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or vegetarian main, it’s a true celebration of Southwest-inspired flavors!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup Black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup Corn kernels, cooked or canned and drained
- 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large Avocado, diced
- 0.5 cup Cilantro leaves, chopped
- 0.5 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup Tortilla strips (optional)
- 1 cup Fresh cilantro leaves
- 0.5 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Honey
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 0.25 pepper Jalapeño, seeded and chopped (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and shredded cheddar cheese. Toss gently to mix.
If using tortilla strips, set them aside to add as a garnish right before serving to keep them crunchy.
To prepare the cilantro dressing, add the fresh cilantro leaves, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, jalapeño (if using), salt, and black pepper to a blender or food processor.
Blend the dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt, lime juice, or honey.
Drizzle the cilantro dressing over the salad and toss gently until the salad is evenly coated.
Serve the salad immediately, garnished with tortilla strips if desired, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1821 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 97.9 g | 126% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.7 g | 118% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 64 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 2452 mg | 107% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 194.5 g | 71% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 58.2 g | 208% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.7 g | ||
| Protein | 67.5 g | 135% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1080 mg | 83% | |
| Iron | 17.6 mg | 98% | |
| Potassium | 5059 mg | 108% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
