Description
A fresh, colorful salad that’s as easy to make as it is delicious! This Mexican-inspired salad is filled with chopped romaine, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, topped with a creamy lime dressing. It’s light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, making it an ideal side dish or a light meal on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped: Romaine provides a hearty, crisp base for the salad, with a mild flavor that lets other ingredients shine.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Sweet and juicy, tomatoes add color and a refreshing burst of flavor to the salad.
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned): Sweet corn adds crunch and sweetness. If using frozen corn, simply thaw it before adding.
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced: Adds sweetness and crunch to the salad.
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced: Provides a sharp bite that contrasts nicely with the other ingredients.
- 1 avocado, diced: Creamy avocado adds richness and healthy fats, making the salad more satisfying.
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed: Black beans are a great source of protein and fiber, adding heartiness to the salad.
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped: Fresh cilantro adds an herbaceous note that elevates the salad with its distinctive flavor.
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes): Lime juice is the perfect tangy base for the dressing, complementing the fresh ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a bit of richness to the dressing and helps coat the salad.
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup: A touch of sweetness balances the tangy lime and savory ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a bit of smoky heat to the dressing, giving it a more complex flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Ground cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor that is often found in Mexican cuisine.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning the dressing and enhancing the flavors.
Optional Garnishes:
- Crumbled queso fresco: For a creamy, salty touch.
- Tortilla strips: For added crunch and texture.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: For a creamy topping.
- Hot sauce: For extra heat, drizzle on top before serving.
Instructions
First Step: PREPARE THE VEGGIES
- Chop the Romaine Lettuce: Begin by washing and drying the romaine lettuce. Then chop it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.
- Prepare the Veggies: Dice the cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and red onion. Halve and pit the avocado, then dice it into cubes. If using frozen corn, heat it through and drain any excess water before adding it to the salad. Drain and rinse the black beans, and set them aside.
- Chop the Cilantro: Finely chop the cilantro leaves. This fresh herb adds a bright, zesty flavor that elevates the overall taste of the salad.
Second Step: MAKE THE DRESSING
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine the fresh lime juice, olive oil, honey (or agave), chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. If you prefer a smoother dressing, you can use a blender or food processor.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you want a spicier kick, feel free to add extra chili powder or even a dash of hot sauce. If the dressing is too tart, a bit more honey or agave syrup will balance the flavors.
Third Step: ASSEMBLE THE SALAD
- Combine the Ingredients: In the large salad bowl, add the chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, corn, black beans, and avocado. Gently toss to combine, ensuring all the veggies are mixed evenly.
- Drizzle with Dressing: Pour the lime dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the ingredients are well-coated in the dressing.
- Add Cilantro: Sprinkle the freshly chopped cilantro over the salad and give it one final toss to incorporate the herb.
Fourth Step: GARNISH AND SERVE
- Garnish the Salad: If desired, sprinkle crumbled queso fresco over the top of the salad, add a handful of crunchy tortilla strips, or serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. For a spicier version, drizzle with your favorite hot sauce or add sliced jalapeños on top.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately as a main dish or a side. It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a side of tacos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Assemble Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 4g