Mexican Chopped Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish packed with fresh veggies, zesty lime dressing, and the bold flavors of cilantro, avocado, and chili. This salad is a colorful mix of crunchy ingredients like romaine, corn, and bell peppers, balanced with creamy avocado and tangy cotija cheese. The lime-cilantro dressing ties it all together with a bright, citrusy kick. It’s perfect as a light lunch, side dish for tacos or grilled meats, or a healthy, flavorful appetizer at any gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn (cooked and cooled)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, avocado, cilantro, tomatoes, and jalapeño (if using).
- Toss with dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the crumbled cotija or feta cheese over the top and serve immediately.
This Mexican Chopped Salad is fresh, flavorful, and full of texture, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal or a delicious light dish on its own!
