4.8 from 231 votes
Southwestern Chopped Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing
This Southwestern Chopped Salad features crunchy romaine, sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, and black beans tossed in a creamy cilantro-lime dressing with avocado for smoothness. The fresh bell pepper and green onions add color and sharpness, while cumin and agave in the dressing bring warm, balanced seasoning. It offers a refreshing texture contrast and a vibrant, tangy flavor profile, suitable as a light main or side salad.
Prep Time
25 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings:
4
medium bowls
Calories:
336 kcal
Course:
Side Dish, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine:
Vegan, gluten-free
Ingredients
- 1 romaine lettuce large head
- 15 oz. black beans canned
- 1 bell pepper orange
- 10 oz. cherry tomatoes about 1 pint, or grape tomatoes
- 2 cups corn sweet, cooked
- 5 green onions
For the creamy cilantro-lime dressing:
- 1 cup cilantro stems removed and roughly chopped, loosely packed
- 1/2 avocado (or 1/2 cup plain vegan yogurt)
- 2 Tbsp. lime juice about 1 lime, more to taste, fresh
- 1-2 garlic cloves
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil (for oil-free, sub a little water to thin)
- 1 1/2 tsp. white wine vinegar
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- agave to taste
- cumin to taste
Instructions
- Make the dressing: Blend all dressing ingredients in a food processor/blender until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. (I like the addition of a little cumin, and also agave to sweeten.)
- Chop romaine, bell pepper, tomatoes, and green onions. Rinse and drain black beans.
- Place all salad ingredients in a large bowl.
- Toss with desired amount of dressing.*
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Store the dressing and salad separately in the refrigerator if preparing ahead to maintain crispness.
- The dressing can be adjusted with agave and cumin to taste for sweetness and warming spice.
- Serves approximately 4 as a main dish or 6 to 8 as a side salad.
Nutrition Information
Calories
336kcal
(17%)
Carbohydrates
43g
(14%)
Protein
11g
(22%)
Fat
16g
(25%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
(12%)
Monounsaturated Fat
10g
(50%)
Potassium
940mg
(20%)
Fiber
13g
(52%)
Sugar
7g
(14%)
Vitamin A
2798IU
(56%)
Vitamin C
64mg
(71%)
Calcium
70mg
(7%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 medium bowls
Amount Per Serving
Calories 336
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 336kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 43g | 14% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Potassium | 940mg | 20% |
| Fiber | 13g | 52% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 2798IU | 56% |
| Vitamin C | 64mg | 71% |
| Calcium | 70mg | 7% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.