Vibrant Mexican Salad with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette
This colorful and nutritious Mexican Salad is a delightful fusion of fresh vegetables and bold flavors, inspired by a traditional recipe that celebrates the essence of healthy eating. Packed with protein-rich black beans and fiber from crunchy jicama, this dish is not only visually appealing but also satisfying and wholesome. The dressing, a zesty blend of fresh lime juice, honey, and just the right amount of olive oil, adds an irresistible tang that elevates each bite. Perfect for meal prep, this salad is versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or wrapped in a tortilla for a delicious lunch option. Whether you're aiming for a light dinner or a refreshing side dish, this salad is sure to impress.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
romaine lettuce
1/2 head (chopped (about 2 1/2 cups))
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
tomatoes
3/4 cup (seeded and chopped)
jicama
3/4 cup (peeled and chopped)
corn kernels
3/4 cup (preferably fresh uncooked (can substitute frozen or canned))
green onion
3/4 cup (chopped)
ripe avocado
1/2 (peeled and diced)
red bell pepper
1 (chopped)
feta cheese
1/4 cup (crumbled (reduced fat variety, if desired))
garlic clove
1 (minced)
fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
jalapeno
1 teaspoon (minced)
fresh lime juice
1/4 cup
olive oil
2 tablespoons
honey
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, combine the fresh lime juice, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, and minced jalapeno. Whisk together until well blended and set aside to let the flavors meld.
2
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, rinsed black beans, chopped tomatoes, jicama, corn, green onion, diced avocado, red bell pepper, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped cilantro.
3
Drizzle the prepared honey-lime dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
4
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for a refreshing meal option later!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in the Vibrant Mexican Salad?
The main ingredients include romaine lettuce, black beans, tomatoes, jicama, corn kernels, green onion, avocado, red bell pepper, feta cheese, and fresh cilantro.
How do you make the Honey-Lime Vinaigrette?
The dressing is made by whisking together fresh lime juice, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, and minced jalapeno until well blended.
Is this Mexican Salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products, using black beans and feta cheese for protein and flavor.
Can this salad be made vegan?
To make this salad vegan, you can substitute the honey in the dressing with agave syrup and omit the feta cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What type of lettuce is best for this salad?
The recipe calls for 1/2 head of chopped romaine lettuce, which equals approximately 2.5 cups.
Do I need to cook the corn for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using fresh uncooked corn kernels, though you can substitute frozen or canned corn if preferred.
How should the jicama be prepared?
The jicama should be peeled and chopped into 3/4 cup portions for the salad.
What is the role of black beans in this dish?
Black beans provide a protein-rich and fiber-filled component to the salad, making it more satisfying and wholesome.
Is the Vibrant Mexican Salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is noted as being perfect for meal prep and versatile enough for lunch or a light dinner.
Can I serve this salad in a tortilla?
Yes, the description suggests that the salad can be wrapped in a tortilla for a delicious lunch option.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe recommends using 3/4 cup of seeded and chopped tomatoes.
Is there any spice in this salad?
The dressing includes 1 teaspoon of minced jalapeno, which adds a mild zesty kick to the flavor profile.
How should the avocado be added?
The recipe uses 1/2 of a ripe avocado, which should be peeled and diced before being added to the salad bowl.
What type of cheese is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, suggesting a reduced-fat variety if desired.
Is the garlic in the dressing minced?
Yes, the dressing requires 1 minced garlic clove to be whisked in with the other liquid ingredients.
How do I ensure the salad is well coated with dressing?
You should drizzle the prepared honey-lime dressing over the mixture and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
Can I store the salad for later?
Yes, you can refrigerate the salad for a refreshing meal option later, though it is also great when enjoyed immediately.
What color bell pepper is used?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 chopped red bell pepper.
How much honey is in the dressing?
The vinaigrette contains 2 tablespoons of honey.
Is the cilantro chopped or used as whole leaves?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh cilantro.
Should the black beans be drained?
Yes, the 15-ounce can of black beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the salad.
What makes the vinaigrette 'zesty'?
The combination of fresh lime juice, garlic, and minced jalapeno provides the zesty and tangy flavor profile.
Are there any onion varieties in the salad?
Yes, the salad includes 3/4 cup of chopped green onions.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and involves simple whisking and tossing of fresh ingredients.
What is the texture of jicama in the salad?
Jicama adds a crunchy texture that complements the fresh vegetables and soft black beans.
Can I use a different oil besides olive oil?
While the recipe specifies olive oil, you could likely substitute another neutral oil, though olive oil is preferred for the vinaigrette's flavor.
How do I season the final dish?
The instructions recommend seasoning with salt and pepper to taste just before serving.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include salad, mexican, healthy, vegetarian, lunch, sides, fresh, vegan-friendly, colorful, vibrant, easy recipe, and meal prep.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil for the dressing.