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Fresh Southwest Salad Recipe with Easy Creamy Lime Dressing for Summer

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A vibrant and refreshing Southwest salad featuring crisp veggies and a creamy lime dressing, perfect for summer meals and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels, grilled or boiled
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 large avocado, diced
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • Juice of 2 fresh limes
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse all fresh produce under cold water. Chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Halve cherry tomatoes, dice red bell pepper, and thinly slice green onions. Dice avocado last to prevent browning and sprinkle with a little lime juice.
  3. If using fresh corn, grill on a hot pan or outdoor grill for about 5 minutes until lightly charred. Let cool and slice off kernels. If using canned or frozen corn, drain and rinse or boil briefly.
  4. Rinse and drain black beans thoroughly and add to the mixing bowl.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as desired.
  6. Pour dressing over salad ingredients and gently toss to coat evenly, being careful not to mash the avocado.
  7. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top and serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.

Notes

Keep dressing separate until serving to prevent soggy lettuce. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Adjust chili powder for desired spice level. Dice avocado last and toss with lime juice to prevent browning. Charring corn adds smoky depth but is optional.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southwest salad, creamy lime dressing, summer salad, fresh salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, vegetarian salad, gluten-free salad

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