Mexican Chopped Salad (Printable version)
Fresh vegetables, black beans, and avocado in zesty lime-cilantro dressing
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
03 - 1 cup English cucumber, diced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
06 - 1/2 cup fresh corn kernels
07 - 1 avocado, diced
→ Beans
08 - 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
→ Cheese & Garnish
09 - 1/3 cup cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
10 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
→ Dressing
11 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
13 - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
14 - 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
15 - 1 clove garlic, minced
16 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
17 - 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
18 - Salt and pepper to taste
# Directions:
01 - In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, corn, avocado, and black beans.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, honey or agave, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.
03 - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
04 - Sprinkle with cotija or feta cheese and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- That lime-cilantro dressing somehow makes raw vegetables taste like the best thing you've ever eaten, and the recipe comes together in literally twenty minutes flat.
- You can prep everything ahead and keep the components separate, then toss with dressing right before serving for maximum freshness.
02 -
- The acid in the dressing will start breaking down the vegetables if they sit too long, so dress this salad right before serving for optimal texture.
- Avocado browns quickly once cut, so toss it with a little lime juice before adding it to the salad if you're prepping ahead.
03 -
- Let the dressed salad sit for about five minutes before serving, just enough time for the flavors to meld but the vegetables to stay crisp.
- Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the lime, salt, or honey to your preferences.