Zesty Southwestern Chopped Salad
This vibrant Zesty Southwestern Chopped Salad is a delightful medley of fresh vegetables, beans, and crunchy textures, making it an ideal accompaniment for your favorite Tex-Mex dishes like chili or burritos. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it's not only meatless but also a filling stand-alone meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Enjoy the bright colors and textures that come together in a bowl, providing a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply looking for a healthy option, this salad will elevate your dining experience!
8
Servings
250
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Iceberg lettuce
1 head (cored and chopped)
Onion
1 small (chopped)
Grape tomatoes
1.5 cups (sliced)
Frozen corn
1.5 cups (thawed)
Red kidney beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
Black olives
1 (2.25 ounce) can (sliced and drained)
Doritos
1 cup (coarsely crushed (measure AFTER crushing))
Cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Cilantro
1 tablespoon (chopped)
California avocado
1-2 (peeled, pitted, and diced)
Lime juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
Southwest Ranch Dressing
to taste (any ranch will do (recommended: #167319))
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, chopped onion, sliced grape tomatoes, thawed corn, rinsed red kidney beans, sliced black olives, and chopped cilantro.
2
In a separate small bowl, toss the diced avocado with lime juice to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
3
Gently fold the avocado into the salad mixture.
4
Add the crushed Doritos and shredded cheddar cheese, and toss to combine just before serving.
5
Drizzle with Southwest Ranch Dressing or your favorite dressing, and serve immediately. For optimal crunch, reserve the Doritos and add them at the time of serving.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
25g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Southwestern Chopped Salad?
It is a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, beans, and crunchy textures, perfect as a side for Tex-Mex dishes or a filling stand-alone meal.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
Is this Southwestern salad vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is meatless and suitable for vegetarians.
What is the main base of the salad?
The base of the salad consists of one head of cored and chopped iceberg lettuce.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of red kidney beans, rinsed and drained.
How do I keep the avocado from turning brown?
Toss the diced avocado with one teaspoon of freshly squeezed lime juice before adding it to the salad.
When should I add the Doritos?
Add the crushed Doritos just before serving to ensure they maintain their optimal crunch.
What type of dressing is recommended?
Southwest Ranch Dressing is recommended, though any ranch dressing will work.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What type of cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for one cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, the recipe uses 1.5 cups of frozen corn that has been thawed.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides about 8g of protein.
How should the grape tomatoes be prepared?
You should use 1.5 cups of grape tomatoes, sliced.
Is there cilantro in this salad?
Yes, the recipe includes one tablespoon of chopped cilantro.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 12g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
What size onion is needed?
One small onion, chopped, is required for this recipe.
What type of olives are included?
The recipe uses one 2.25-ounce can of sliced and drained black olives.
Should I measure the Doritos before or after crushing?
You should measure the one cup of Doritos after they have been coarsely crushed.
What kind of avocado is suggested?
The recipe suggests using 1 to 2 California avocados.
How many ingredients are in this salad?
There are a total of 12 ingredients in this recipe.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, nutrient-packed meal option.
What are some suggested pairings for this salad?
It pairs well with Tex-Mex dishes like chili or burritos.
How long does it take to prepare?
While specific prep time is not listed, it is tagged as a quick meal involving mostly chopping and tossing.
Can I use a different type of lime juice?
The recipe specifically recommends freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Beans.
Should the salad be served immediately?
Yes, for the best texture and crunch, it should be served immediately after adding the chips and dressing.
Is the serving size specified?
The recipe makes 8 servings, though a specific weight or volume per serving is not provided.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the lettuce, onion, tomatoes, corn, beans, olives, and cilantro in a large bowl.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, chopped salad, southwestern, tex-mex, vegetarian, healthy, sides, beans, avocado, and quick meal.