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Southwest Salad With Avocado Dressing

Name: Southwest Salad With Avocado Dressing
Prep time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 large head romaine (chopped); 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained); 1 cup sweet corn; 1½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved); 1½ cups red cabbage (shredded); ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped); 1 small ripe avocado; ¼ cup lime juice; 1 clove garlic; ½ bunch cilantro; ½ tsp salt and pepper; 1 jalapeno (more or less for desired spice); ¼ red onion; ½ tsp ground cumin; 1 tbsp maple syrup; ¼ - ½ cup water (for desired thickness)

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If you're looking for a salad to keep in rotation this summer then look no further than this Southwest Salad with the most delicious homemade Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing. This salad is a complete game-changer as it's low-carb, gluten free, dairy free and ready in just 25 minutes.

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Southwest Salad with Avocado Dressing

Are looking for a fresh, vibrant meal that packs a punch of flavor? I’ve got just the treat for you because this Southwest Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing is about to hit the spot! This salad is perfect for those who love the bold tastes of Tex-Mex cuisine but want something light and healthy. Combining chopped romaine lettuce, black beans, sweet corn, and cherry tomatoes, this salad is loaded with nutrients and ready in only 25 minutes. Don’t skip the star of this salad – the homemade Creamy Vegan Avocado and Lime Salad Dressing is so good! It’s made with fresh lime juice, cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño for a subtle kick. So whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick dinner option, this Southwest salad will not disappoint. You can easily tailor it to your taste by adding dairy-free cheese or crispy tortilla strips. It also makes a great base for any grilled protein—my personal favorite is tofu. Try it today and see what I’m raving about!

Southwest Salad Ingredients

Romaine Lettuce: Romaine lettuce serves as the crisp, refreshing base of the salad. Its sturdy leaves hold up well to the hearty ingredients and creamy dressing.
Black Beans: Black beans are a key ingredient to any Tex-Mex dish. Adding both protein and fiber to the salad; these beans make the salad more filling and nutritious. Hot tip: rinsing and draining the beans removes excess sodium and enhances their natural flavor.
Sweet Corn: Sweet corn adds a delightful sweetness and a lovely texture to the salad. Using canned corn is convenient, you can also use fresh or frozen corn if you prefer.
Cherry Tomatoes: Bringing a delightful burst of juicy flavor and bright color to the salad. Cutting them in half allows their sweet and tangy juices to mix with the other ingredients.
Red Cabbage: Red cabbage provides a crunchy texture and vibrant color that makes the salad visually appealing. It also adds a slight peppery flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion adds sharpness and depth of flavor to the salad. Its crisp texture and pungent taste balance the sweetness of the corn and tomatoes, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. If you prefer a milder onion go with white onion.

Creamy Avocado Dressing Ingredients

Avocado: Go with a ripe avocado for this dressing as it will maximize the amount of rich creaminess to the dressing. Avocado adds healthy fats and a smooth, luxurious feel to the dressing, making it both delicious and nutritious.
Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds a tangy freshness that brightens the flavors of the dressing. It complements the creamy avocado and adds a zesty kick that enhances the overall taste.
Garlic: A clove of garlic enhances the savory taste of the dressing, adding a depth of flavor that makes the dressing more complex and satisfying.
Cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the salad. Its distinctive flavor brings a quintessential Tex-Mex flavor and burst of freshness that ties all the ingredients together.
Jalapeño: Jalapeño adds a subtle heat to the dressing, making it more exciting and flavorful. You can adjust the amount of jalapeño to suit your spice preference, adding more or less depending on how much heat you like.
Red Onion: Adding a bit of red onion to the dressing provides a slight bite and enhances the overall flavor. It adds a touch of sharpness that balances the creamy avocado and lime juice.
Ground Cumin: Ground cumin adds a warm, earthy undertone to the dressing, giving it a depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients. Its smoky notes enhance the taste of the dressing.
Maple Syrup: Maple syrup balances the tangy and spicy elements of the dressing with a touch of sweetness. It rounds out the flavors and adds a subtle sweetness.

How to Make the Avocado Lime Dressing

To prepare the creamy avocado dressing, add all the dressing ingredients except the water to a blender. Puree until smooth and creamy. Adjust the thickness by adding a few tablespoons of water and blending again until you reach the desired consistency. Season to taste to ensure it’s perfectly balanced. If you have extra salad dressing, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge and use it within a few days. This way, you’ll have a delicious dressing ready to go for another meal! add some cilantro to make an avocado cilantro lime dressing.

How to Make Southwest Salad

Making this Southwest salad is simple and quick, perfect for busy days. Start by chopping all of your ingredients and rinsing your beans. Once prepared, add all the salad ingredients to a large bowl. If you’re planning to use this for meal prep, you can divide the salad among meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Here is where you can get experimental, if you desire to adding other ingredients like sweet potato or cucumber to your salad prepare them accordingly here.

Now that your salad dressing and salad components are ready, simply pour the dressing over the salad right before serving and enjoy! This salad can be made up to 3 days in advance as long as the dressing is stored separately.

What to Serve with Southwest Salad

This Southwest salad is versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Serve it as a main course for a light meal or serve it alongside grilled tofu, vegan taco meat or your choice of protein. It’s also a fantastic addition to any taco night, complementing the flavors of your favorite tacos or burritos. Going for the full Tex-Mex vibe? Add some vegan pepper jack cheese, tortilla chips, or a dollop of dairy free sour cream or plain vegan Greek yogurt.

Why You’ll Love This Southwest Salad Recipe

This Southwest salad with avocado dressing is not only delicious but a very easy way to get in protein and other essential nutrients. It’s packed with fresh vegetables, black beans, and a creamy avocado dressing that ties everything together. The salad is gluten-free, low-carb, and can easily be customized to suit your dietary preferences. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this salad is sure to become a favorite.

If you enjoyed this Southwest Avocado Salad let me know by rating and reviewing! Don’t forget to try these other incredible salads:

One Pan Vegan Taco Skillet

Layered Vegan Taco Salad

Best Ever Guacamole

Jackie Akerberg

Author of the Clean Vegan Cookbook, Food Blogger and Recipe Developer from Des Moines, Iowa.

Jackfruitful Kitchen has proudly been featured in Forks Over Knives, Vegan Bowls, Vegan Food and Living, and DSM Magazine.

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