You won’t believe how quickly your weeknight dinner routine can be upgraded with this Spicy Southwestern Salad with Avocado Dressing. It’s a riot of colors and flavors: sweet corn, sharp cheddar, creamy black beans, juicy tomatoes, crunchy peppers, and a glorious avocado dressing so good you’ll want to drizzle it on everything. This salad is hearty enough for lunch, show-stopping enough for a party platter, and customizable to every dietary need. If you love bold flavors and crisp textures, this recipe might just become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These fresh, simple ingredients come together for maximum flavor and satisfaction. Each one brings something fun to the mix, from color to crunch to a spicy twist, ensuring your Spicy Southwestern Salad with Avocado Dressing is never anything less than vibrant.
- Romaine Lettuce (6 cups, chopped): The classic crunchy base; its sturdy leaves expertly hold up to hearty toppings and creamy dressing.
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Adds bursts of juicy sweetness that balance the spices and savoriness beautifully.
- Canned Black Beans (1 cup, rinsed and drained): Creamy, protein-rich beans make this salad extra filling and give it Southwestern flair.
- Corn Kernels (1 cup, fresh or thawed): Sweet, tender kernels add sunshine-bright color and a pop with every bite.
- Red Bell Pepper (1, diced): Crisp pepper brings a pleasant crunch and subtle sweetness to the bowl.
- Red Onion (1/2, finely diced): A touch of sharpness enhances every other flavor on your fork.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup): Gives the salad richness and a touch of decadence; swap for a vegan cheddar if desired.
- Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): This aromatic herb brings a hit of freshness reminiscent of salsa.
- Jalapeño (1, thinly sliced, optional): For those who love a zesty kick; remove seeds for less heat or leave them in for spice-lovers.
- Avocado (1 ripe): The star of your dreamy, creamy homemade dressing.
- Plain Greek Yogurt (1/4 cup): Adds tang and protein, plus helps your dressing reach peak creaminess.
- Lime Juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens both the salad and dressing with citrusy zing.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps emulsify the dressing for smooth, luxurious texture.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Lends depth and aromatic warmth to the dressing.
- Ground Cumin (1/4 teaspoon): Gentle earthiness to give that unmistakable Southwestern vibe.
- Chili Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Levels up the flavor and provides just the right amount of background heat.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): The final flavor boosters, adjusting to your preference.
How to Make Spicy Southwestern Salad with Avocado Dressing
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
Start off by thoroughly washing and drying all your fresh produce. Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, halve your cherry tomatoes, dice the red bell pepper and red onion, and slice the jalapeño if you’re adding heat. Drying the lettuce well ensures the dressing coats every leaf perfectly and doesn’t water down the flavors.
Step 2: Mix the Salad Base
In a generously sized salad bowl, combine the romaine, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, shredded cheddar, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño slices. Give it a gentle toss so all those vibrant colors and textures are mingling together. This is where the salad really starts to look like a fiesta!
Step 3: Prepare the Avocado Dressing
In your blender or food processor, add the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, plus a pinch each of salt and pepper. Blend until your mixture is luxuriously smooth and creamy. For a thinner dressing, carefully add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach the perfect pourable consistency.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the creamy avocado dressing over your assembled salad. Use tongs or two large spoons to toss everything gently but thoroughly, making sure every bite is coated in luscious green goodness. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed—maybe a little extra lime or jalapeño for the bold at heart!
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Your Spicy Southwestern Salad with Avocado Dressing is at its very best fresh, so serve it right away with any desired garnishes. Have extra lime wedges on hand for your citrus-loving friends, and get ready for rave reviews.
How to Serve Spicy Southwestern Salad with Avocado Dressing
Garnishes
Elevate every bite with a scattering of extra chopped cilantro, thin tortilla strips for crunch, slices of ripe avocado, or a sprinkle of cotija cheese if you crave even more Southwest flavor. Don’t forget those juicy lime wedges—they make the flavors pop brilliantly!
Side Dishes
This colorful salad loves company! Pair it with warm cornbread, a bowl of tortilla soup, or some perfectly grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. It’s also the ultimate sidekick for tacos or quesadillas for your next Tex-Mex night.
Creative Ways to Present
For a real showstopper, serve your Spicy Southwestern Salad with Avocado Dressing layered in mason jars for grab-and-go lunches, or arrange it on a large platter with the dressing in a swoosh across one edge. It’s gorgeous as a build-your-own salad bar at parties, letting guests customize toppings to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the undressed salad and avocado dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This way, the greens and veggies stay crisp, and your dressing doesn’t lose its lovely color and freshness. Both will keep well for about 1-2 days.
Freezing
While the salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the avocado dressing alone if you wish. Simply place it in a tightly sealed container, lay a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to minimize browning, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and give it a good stir before using.
Reheating
Since this Spicy Southwestern Salad with Avocado Dressing is designed to be enjoyed cold, there’s no need for reheating. If you do prep optional proteins like chicken or shrimp ahead of time, simply warm them gently before serving on top of the salad.
FAQs
Is this salad spicy?
It’s as spicy as you want it to be! The jalapeño brings a gentle heat, but you can totally omit it or remove the seeds for a milder version. Want more kick? Add extra jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Can I make the avocado dressing in advance?
Definitely! You can blend the avocado dressing up to one day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the dressing’s surface to keep it bright green and lively.
What proteins work well with this salad?
Grilled chicken and shrimp are classic pairings that taste fantastic with these bold flavors. For a vegetarian option, toss in some crispy tofu, extra black beans, or even roasted sweet potato for added heft.
Is the salad gluten-free?
Yes! This Spicy Southwestern Salad with Avocado Dressing is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check that your store-bought spices and tortilla strips are gluten-free if you plan to use them for garnishing.
Can I use another leafy green instead of romaine?
Absolutely; baby spinach, mixed greens, or even shredded kale can swap in for romaine if you prefer. Keep in mind that romaine’s crunch does pair especially well with the creamy avocado dressing and crisp veggies.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s as hearty and satisfying as it is fresh and zesty, look no further than this Spicy Southwestern Salad with Avocado Dressing. Go ahead—gather your ingredients, whip up that dreamy avocado dressing, and treat yourself to a salad experience you’ll be craving again and again!
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Spicy Southwestern Salad with Avocado Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a flavorful and nutritious Spicy Southwestern Salad with a creamy Avocado Dressing. This vibrant salad is packed with fresh ingredients and tossed in a zesty homemade dressing that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
Main Salad:
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed from frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
Avocado Dressing:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Main Salad: In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, cheddar cheese, cilantro, and sliced jalapeño (if using).
- Avocado Dressing: In a blender or food processor, blend the avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the avocado dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
- The avocado dressing can be made up to one day in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large salad
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
