Southwest Salad with Cilantro Dressing
Cook Time: Not specified
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Description:
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of this Southwest Salad with Cilantro Dressing, a delightful cool salad that’s not only easy to prepare but also a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors. The tangy dressing perfectly complements the medley of ingredients, making it an ideal dish for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch option, a side dish for a potluck, or a light dinner, this salad has you covered. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or paired with grilled chicken strips or garbanzo beans for a more substantial meal. With its Tex-Mex flair and simple preparation, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Black Beans, Beans, Vegetable, Tex Mex, Southwestern U.S., Potluck, Spicy, < 30 Mins, No Cook, Refrigerator, Beginner Cook, Easy
Aggregated Rating: 5/5 stars
Review Count: 11 reviews
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 105.1
- Fat Content: 7.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 125.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 10.5g
- Fiber Content: 1.6g
- Sugar Content: 2.5g
- Protein Content: 1.5g
Recipe Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans
- 1 can (15.25 ounces) whole kernel corn
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 fresh tomato, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Recipe Instructions:
-
Prepare Salad:
- Start by combining all salad ingredients, except the tomato, in a large mixing bowl. This includes the black beans, whole kernel corn, diced green pepper, finely chopped onion, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Once combined, add the freshly diced tomato. It’s best to add the tomato just before serving to maintain its freshness and texture.
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Make Dressing:
- In a separate jar, prepare the dressing by mixing together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, finely chopped cilantro, minced garlic, chili powder, and ground cumin.
- Secure the lid on the jar and shake vigorously to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. Alternatively, you can whisk the ingredients together until smooth and emulsified.
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Chill and Serve:
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl.
- Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Just before serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing flavors of this Southwest Salad with Cilantro Dressing!
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Storage Instructions:
- Any leftover dressing can be stored in a glass jar in the refrigerator for future use. Simply give it a good shake before using again to re-emulsify the ingredients.
With its vibrant colors, zesty dressing, and wholesome ingredients, this Southwest Salad with Cilantro Dressing is a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply craving a refreshing meal, this salad is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Plus, with its make-ahead convenience, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of family and friends. So why wait? Whip up a batch of this delicious salad today and watch it disappear in no time!
