Mexican Fiesta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the essence of a Mexican celebration to your table. This refreshing salad features a combination of crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, black beans, and creamy avocado, all tossed in a zesty lime-cilantro dressing. Red onions and bell peppers add a nice crunch, while shredded cheddar cheese and crunchy tortilla strips provide a satisfying contrast in texture. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish to your favorite Mexican entrees, this salad is not only healthy and colorful but also easy to prepare. Top it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal, and you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing salad that’s bursting with fresh flavors.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup canned corn, drained (or fresh corn)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and chopped cilantro. Whisk or shake well to mix. Adjust the seasoning to taste and set aside.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, sliced red onion, diced red bell pepper, and avocado. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Add the Cheese and Tortilla Strips:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and tortilla strips over the top of the salad. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro for extra flavor and color.
- Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the prepared lime-cilantro dressing over the salad. Toss lightly to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
- Serve:
- Serve the Mexican Fiesta Salad immediately as a refreshing side dish or light main course. For a heartier meal, top with grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp.
Mexican Fiesta Salad is a fresh and flavorful option that’s perfect for any occasion. Its combination of textures and vibrant flavors makes it a favorite at picnics, barbecues, or as part of a festive dinner spread, bringing a touch of Mexican flair to your table.
