Zesty Corn & Bean Salsa Salad
This vibrant and refreshing Zesty Corn & Bean Salsa Salad is the perfect lunchtime delight or a light appetizer before dinner. Bursting with colors and flavors, the combination of fresh ingredients like crisp romaine, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and creamy avocado creates a satisfying dish that pleases both the palate and the eye. For those looking for a hearty side to accompany grilled meats, this salad can easily stand alone. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering or bringing it to a potluck, it's sure to be a crowd favorite that inspires rave reviews.
4
Servings
150
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Romaine lettuce
4 cups (torn into bite-sized pieces)
Cooked black beans or black-eyed peas
1 cup (drained and rinsed if using canned)
Bell pepper
1 (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Corn
3 ears (cut off the cob)
Avocado
1 (peeled and diced)
Tomatoes
2 (chopped)
Sweet onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Fresh cilantro
1 bunch (chopped)
Vinaigrette
to taste (your favorite recipe or store-bought)
Red pepper flakes
to taste (for seasoning)
Crushed tortilla chips
1 cup (for topping)
Cooked chicken or beef
optional (sliced or diced, for topping)
Instructions
1
In a large salad bowl, layer the torn romaine lettuce as the base.
2
Evenly distribute the cooked black beans or black-eyed peas over the lettuce, ensuring they cover the base.
3
Arrange the diced bell pepper, corn from the cob, diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, and sweet onion on top in separate layers to create a colorful presentation.
4
Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro evenly over the layers.
5
Drizzle your favorite vinaigrette generously over the top, allowing it to seep into the layers.
6
Season with red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
7
For an added crunch, finish with a layer of crushed tortilla chips on top.
8
If desired, add cooked chicken or beef on top for a more filling main dish option.
9
Toss gently before serving if you prefer a mix, or serve as is for a beautiful layered effect.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
19g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Corn & Bean Salsa Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing salad featuring crisp romaine, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and creamy avocado, perfect as a light meal or appetizer.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the main ingredients in this salad?
The main ingredients include Romaine lettuce, black beans or black-eyed peas, bell pepper, corn, avocado, tomatoes, sweet onion, and cheddar cheese.
Can I use black-eyed peas instead of black beans?
Yes, the recipe allows for either cooked black beans or black-eyed peas.
How should I prepare the corn for this salad?
The corn should be cut fresh off the cob.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and light, containing fresh vegetables and fiber-rich beans.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains 150 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 6g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 19g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This salad provides 5g of protein per serving.
Can I add meat to make this a main dish?
Yes, you can add sliced or diced cooked chicken or beef on top.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese.
How do I prepare the Romaine lettuce?
The Romaine lettuce should be torn into bite-sized pieces.
What provides the crunch in this salad?
Crushed tortilla chips are added on top for an extra crunch.
How do I add spice to this recipe?
You can season the salad with red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
What type of dressing should I use?
You can use your favorite store-bought or homemade vinaigrette.
How should the ingredients be arranged?
The ingredients can be layered for a beautiful presentation or tossed together gently.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends using a sweet onion.
Is this salad suitable for parties?
Yes, it is tagged as party food and is described as a crowd favorite for potlucks and gatherings.
How do I prepare the avocado?
The avocado should be peeled and diced.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 13 ingredients in total, including optional items.
How should the bell pepper be cut?
The bell pepper should be cut into bite-sized pieces.
Should the black beans be rinsed?
If you are using canned beans, they should be drained and rinsed before use.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to layer the torn romaine lettuce as the base in a large salad bowl.
Can I omit the cilantro?
Yes, while the recipe calls for chopped fresh cilantro, it can be omitted if you prefer.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the base recipe is vegetarian as long as you do not add the optional meat toppings.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be chopped.
Can I use frozen corn?
While fresh corn off the cob is recommended, you can use cooked frozen corn if needed.
What is the final topping mentioned?
The final topping mentioned for crunch is crushed tortilla chips.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, though it is best to keep the dressing and chips separate until just before serving to maintain freshness.