Zesty Southwestern Chopped Salad with Creamy Cilantro Dressing
Experience a burst of flavors and textures with this Zesty Southwestern Chopped Salad! Packed with vibrant vegetables, protein-rich black beans, and sweet corn, this nutrient-dense salad is a feast for the eyes and palate. The salad is beautifully complemented by a creamy cilantro dressing that offers a delightful tanginess, making it a perfect addition to any meal or as a stand-alone dish. This vegetarian delight can easily be transformed into a vegan option by substituting yogurt with creamy avocado. Whether served at a summer picnic, a refreshing lunch, or as a colorful side dish at dinner, this salad is sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy the combination of freshness and zest, adapted from the Garden Grazer!
N/A
Servings
256
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Romaine lettuce
1 (large head, finely chopped)
Black beans
15 (ounce can, rinsed and drained)
Orange bell pepper
1 (large, finely chopped)
Cherry tomatoes
1 (pint, halved if desired)
Corn
2 (cups, frozen and thawed)
Green onions
5 (finely chopped)
Cilantro
1 (cup, loosely packed, stems removed and roughly chopped)
Greek yogurt
1/2 (cup (or substitute with avocado))
Fresh lime juice
2 (tablespoons (about 1/2 lime))
Garlic
1-2 (cloves)
Olive oil
1/4 (cup)
White wine vinegar
1 1/2 (teaspoons)
Salt
1/8 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
Begin by finely chopping the romaine lettuce, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and green onions, and place them in a large mixing bowl.
2
Add the rinsed black beans and thawed corn to the bowl with the chopped vegetables.
3
In a separate container, prepare the cilantro dressing by adding Greek yogurt (or avocado), lime juice, garlic cloves, olive oil, white wine vinegar, and salt.
4
Blend the dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasonings to taste.
5
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
6
Serve immediately, or allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for a refreshing temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information
12
Fat
31
Carbs
10
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Southwestern Chopped Salad?
It is a nutrient-dense salad packed with vibrant vegetables, protein-rich black beans, and sweet corn, complemented by a creamy cilantro dressing.
What are the main ingredients in the salad?
The salad consists of romaine lettuce, black beans, orange bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, corn, and green onions.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is a vegetarian delight.
How can I make this salad vegan?
You can easily transform it into a vegan option by substituting the Greek yogurt in the dressing with creamy avocado.
What ingredients are in the creamy cilantro dressing?
The dressing is made from cilantro, Greek yogurt or avocado, lime juice, garlic cloves, olive oil, white wine vinegar, and salt.
How many calories are in a serving?
This salad contains approximately 256 calories per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
It provides 10 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The salad contains 12 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in the recipe?
There are 31 grams of carbohydrates in this salad.
How do I prepare the Romaine lettuce?
Use one large head of romaine lettuce and chop it finely.
What kind of corn should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of frozen corn that has been thawed.
How much lime juice is required?
You need 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, which is roughly half a lime.
How many garlic cloves are used in the dressing?
The recipe suggests using 1 to 2 cloves of garlic.
What type of vinegar is used for the dressing?
1 1/2 teaspoons of white wine vinegar are used.
How do I prepare the black beans?
Use one 15-ounce can of black beans, making sure to rinse and drain them before adding to the salad.
What is the best way to blend the dressing?
Combine the dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Can I serve this salad chilled?
Yes, you can serve it immediately or allow it to chill in the refrigerator before serving for a more refreshing temperature.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe requires 5 finely chopped green onions.
What color bell pepper is recommended?
One large orange bell pepper, finely chopped, is recommended.
How much cilantro is in the dressing?
Use 1 cup of loosely packed cilantro with stems removed and roughly chopped.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total for the salad and dressing.
Is this salad suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is described as being perfect for a summer picnic or a refreshing lunch.
How much olive oil is used?
The dressing requires 1/4 cup of olive oil.
What is the amount of salt in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
How should I prepare the cherry tomatoes?
Use one pint of cherry tomatoes and halve them if desired.
Can I use avocado instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, avocado is the recommended substitute for Greek yogurt to make the dressing vegan.
What is the first step in making the salad?
The first step is to finely chop the romaine, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and green onions and place them in a large bowl.
How do I incorporate the dressing?
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe was adapted from the Garden Grazer.
What are the flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish offers a combination of freshness and zest with a delightful tanginess from the dressing.