Bursting with vibrant colors and bold Southwestern flavors, this Southwestern Salad with Avocado Lime Dressing is a nutrient-packed, crowd-pleasing dish thatβs perfect for any occasion. A bounty of fresh romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, black beans, and crisp red bell pepper come together with tangy red onion and fragrant cilantro for a beautiful and flavorsome base. Topped with creamy avocado slices, optional crumbles of feta cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips, this salad is as satisfying as it is wholesome. The star of the dish is the creamy avocado lime dressing, made with ripe avocado, fresh lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and a hint of cumin, creating the perfect zesty complement. Ready in just 20 minutes and packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, this deliciously fresh salad is ideal for lunch, dinner, or as a standout side dish at gatherings.
Wash and dry the romaine lettuce, then chop it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl.
Rinse the black beans under running water, drain them well, and add to the bowl.
Dice the red bell pepper and red onion, then add them to the salad bowl along with the corn.
Slice the avocado into thin wedges and set them aside for garnish later.
Chop the cilantro finely and add it to the salad bowl.
If using, crumble feta cheese and sprinkle it on top of the salad along with tortilla strips for crunch.
To prepare the avocado lime dressing, scoop out the flesh of one ripe avocado into a blender or food processor.
Add the lime juice, olive oil, garlic clove, honey, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to the blender.
Blend the dressing ingredients together until smooth. If the consistency is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water and blend again until it reaches your desired texture.
Drizzle the avocado lime dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine.
Garnish the salad with the sliced avocado wedges and serve immediately.
Calories |
1976 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 130.6 g | 167% | |
| Saturated Fat | 32.6 g | 163% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 107 mg | 36% | |
| Sodium | 3470 mg | 151% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 174.2 g | 63% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 48.3 g | 172% | |
| Total Sugars | 37.6 g | ||
| Protein | 53.8 g | 108% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 969 mg | 75% | |
| Iron | 13.7 mg | 76% | |
| Potassium | 3672 mg | 78% | |
*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.