Zesty Mexican Layered Salad
This Zesty Mexican Layered Salad is a colorful and nutritious dish that's perfect for gatherings or as a light meal. Bursting with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, it's a wonderful blend of textures, with layers of crisp romaine lettuce, hearty black beans, and a medley of fresh vegetables. Top it off with a creamy homemade dressing that adds a delightful tang, and finish with cheesy goodness. This recipe has been a favorite among friends and co-workers, making any party or potluck a hit!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Romaine lettuce
1 bag (chopped)
Salsa
1 1/4 cups (fresh or bottled)
Black beans
1 can (rinsed and drained)
Yellow squash
1 (sliced)
Cucumber
1 (sliced)
Sliced ripe olives
1 can (drained)
Low-fat mayonnaise
3/4 cup (none)
Plain low-fat yogurt
3 tablespoons (none)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Lemon juice
4 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (none)
Green onion
1 (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large serving dish, begin by placing half of the chopped romaine lettuce evenly at the bottom.
2
Next, layer 1 1/4 cups of salsa over the lettuce, followed by the rinsed and drained black beans and the sliced yellow squash.
3
Evenly distribute the sliced cucumber over the squash and sprinkle the sliced olives on top.
4
Add the remaining romaine lettuce to create a final layer.
5
For the dressing, in a medium bowl, combine the low-fat mayonnaise, plain low-fat yogurt, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Mix well until smooth.
6
Spread the dressing evenly over the top layer of salad.
7
Finally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onion over the salad for added flavor and garnish.
8
Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Mexican Layered Salad?
It is a vibrant, multi-layered dish featuring romaine lettuce, black beans, fresh vegetables, and a creamy homemade dressing, perfect for potlucks and parties.
Is this salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How can I make this salad vegan-friendly?
To make it vegan, substitute the mayonnaise, yogurt, and cheddar cheese with your favorite plant-based alternatives.
How long should I refrigerate the salad before serving?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
What are the primary vegetables used in this recipe?
The recipe uses romaine lettuce, yellow squash, cucumber, olives, and green onions.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is a homemade blend of low-fat mayonnaise, plain low-fat yogurt, garlic powder, and lemon juice.
Can I use bottled salsa for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either fresh or bottled salsa depending on your preference.
What kind of beans are recommended?
The recipe calls for one can of black beans, which should be rinsed and drained before layering.
How is the salad layered?
The layers consist of lettuce, salsa, black beans, squash, cucumber, olives, more lettuce, dressing, and finally cheese and green onions.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and uses low-fat dairy options and fresh vegetables.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While shredded cheddar is suggested, you can substitute it with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
Do I need to cook the yellow squash?
No, the yellow squash is used raw and sliced to provide a crisp texture to the layers.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can I substitute the lemon juice?
Fresh lime juice is a great alternative that complements the Mexican flavors of the salad.
Is the garlic in the dressing fresh or powdered?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for the dressing.
Can I add meat to this salad?
Yes, you could add a layer of cooked ground turkey or seasoned chicken if you prefer a non-vegetarian version.
What is the best way to serve this salad?
Serve it cold in a large glass dish so guests can see the colorful layers.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be used as a thicker, high-protein substitute for regular low-fat yogurt.
How should I prepare the romaine lettuce?
The lettuce should be chopped into bite-sized pieces and divided into two portions for layering.
Is this salad spicy?
The spice level depends on the salsa you choose; use mild salsa for a kid-friendly version or hot salsa for more kick.
Can I make this salad a day in advance?
Yes, making it the night before allows the flavors to develop, but it is best consumed within 24 hours to keep the lettuce crisp.
What can I use if I don't have yellow squash?
Zucchini is an excellent substitute for yellow squash in this recipe.
Are the olives sliced or whole?
The recipe calls for one can of sliced ripe olives, drained.
Can I add avocado to this recipe?
Absolutely, but it is best to add avocado right before serving to prevent it from browning.
How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?
Ensure the beans and olives are well-drained and the lettuce is dry before layering.
What type of dish is best for layering?
A deep glass bowl or a trifle dish is ideal for showcasing the different layers of the salad.
Does this recipe include corn?
The base recipe does not include corn, but it would be a delicious addition to the vegetable layers.
What is the role of the green onion?
The chopped green onion is used as a final garnish to provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and extra color.
Can I use full-fat mayonnaise?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat mayonnaise with full-fat mayonnaise if you prefer a richer dressing.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, because it is chilled and layered, it holds up better than tossed salads, making it great for prepared lunches.