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Mexican Chopped Salad

Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Servings 4 Servings

Equipment

  • Large cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Small bowl or jar for dressing
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

For the Salad

  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup canned black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels fresh, canned, or thawed frozen
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 small red onion finely chopped
  • 1 ripe avocado diced
  • 1 third cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese tortilla strips, jalapenos

For the Lime Dressing

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Start by washing and drying all your produce. Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, avocado, and cilantro to the bowl with the lettuce.
  • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat everything evenly without mashing the avocado.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add extra lime juice or salt if desired, then serve immediately.

Notes

Tips for the Best Mexican Chopped Salad

Use the freshest produce you can find. Crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes make a big difference in flavor and texture.
Dice everything evenly. Since this is a chopped salad, smaller, uniform pieces ensure you get a bit of everything in each bite.
Add the avocado last. This helps prevent it from getting mushy while mixing.
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne or some finely chopped jalapeno to the dressing.

Variations and Substitutions

Add Protein 
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak turn this into a hearty main dish. Rotisserie chicken also works great for a shortcut.
Make It Vegan 
Skip the cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
Swap the Greens 
Try chopped kale, butter lettuce, or a spring mix for a different base.
Extra Crunch 
Add crushed tortilla chips, pepitas, or roasted chickpeas.
Cheese Options 
Cotija, feta, or shredded cheddar all pair beautifully with these flavors.
Keyword Crunchy, Easy, Flavorful, Fresh, Healthy