This Mexican Salad Recipe is your ticket to a vibrant and refreshing dish, perfect as a side or a light meal. It’s incredibly easy to throw together, bursting with flavor, and completely adaptable to your favorite ingredients. Get ready to enjoy a taste of Mexico in every bite!
Everyday Mexican Salad
Craving a salad that’s anything but boring? If you’re looking to jazz up your meal times, this everyday Mexican salad recipe is exactly what you need. Inspired by the bright and bold flavors of Mexican cuisine, this salad moves away from heavy carbs often found in Mexican entrees and embraces fresh, wholesome ingredients. It’s the ideal counterpoint to rich dishes like enchiladas, tacos, or tamales, offering a refreshing balance to your plate.
What makes this recipe truly shine is its versatility. Whether you need a simple side salad to complement your Mexican feast or a light yet satisfying lunch, this salad fits the bill. It’s built upon a foundation of crisp greens and fresh veggies, then elevated with a tangy cumin-lime vinaigrette that takes just minutes to whisk together. Plus, the possibilities for customization are endless – toss in your favorite vegetables, nuts, cheeses, or even protein to create a salad that’s uniquely yours.
This Mexican salad is not only incredibly delicious but also incredibly practical. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, impressive enough for a weekend gathering, and healthy enough to enjoy any day of the week. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in our kitchen – and why it’s destined to become one in yours too!
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Salad Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From chopping veggies to whisking the dressing, this salad comes together in mere minutes.
- Flavor-Packed: The cumin-lime dressing is the star, infusing every bite with zesty, vibrant flavor that perfectly complements the fresh ingredients.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Swap out veggies, add protein, choose your favorite cheese – make it your own!
- Versatile: Perfect as a side salad, a light lunch, or even a base for a heartier main dish.
- Healthy and Refreshing: Packed with fresh vegetables and healthy fats, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy the flavors of Mexican cuisine.
Ingredients for the Perfect Mexican Salad
This recipe is divided into two simple parts: the salad ingredients and the cumin-lime dressing. Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:
Salad Ingredients:
- Greens: 5 ounces of mixed spring greens provide a light and tender base. Romaine lettuce, butter lettuce, or spinach also work wonderfully.
- Avocado: 1 ripe avocado adds creamy richness and healthy fats. Look for an avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure.
- Red Onion: Half a small red onion, thinly sliced, provides a crisp bite and a touch of sharpness. Soak it in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor if desired.
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes brings sweetness and juicy bursts of flavor. Grape tomatoes or chopped Roma tomatoes are also great options.
- Fresh Cilantro: 2/3 cup of roughly chopped fresh cilantro adds a signature Mexican flavor. If you’re not a cilantro fan, fresh parsley can be substituted.
- Pepitas: 1/3 cup of pepitas (pumpkin seeds) provides a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds are also delicious alternatives.
- (Optional) Cheese: 1/2 cup of crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese adds a salty, tangy finish. Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even feta cheese can be used as substitutes.
Mexican Side Salad Recipe Ingredients
Cumin-Lime Dressing Ingredients:
- Avocado Oil (or Olive Oil): 3 tablespoons of avocado oil provides a light and healthy base. Olive oil is a readily available alternative.
- Fresh Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice is key to the dressing’s zesty flavor. Freshly squeezed is always best!
- Fine Sea Salt: 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt enhances all the flavors. Adjust to taste.
- Ground Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin is the signature spice, providing warmth and earthy notes.
- Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper adds a touch of spice.
- Garlic: 1 small clove of garlic, pressed or minced, adds a pungent kick. 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
How to Make Mexican Salad: Step-by-Step
Making this Mexican salad recipe is as easy as 1-2-3!
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Prepare the Cumin-Lime Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, lime juice, sea salt, cumin, black pepper, and garlic until well combined. Alternatively, combine all dressing ingredients in a mason jar, seal the lid tightly, and shake vigorously until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
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Assemble the Mexican Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the spring greens, sliced avocado, red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and pepitas. If using cheese, add it now as well.
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Dress and Serve: Drizzle the cumin-lime dressing evenly over the salad ingredients. Toss gently until everything is lightly coated and well combined. Serve immediately for the freshest, crispiest salad.
Everyday Mexican Side Salad Recipe close-up
Mexican Salad Recipe Variations
One of the best things about this Mexican salad recipe is how easily you can customize it! Get creative and use what you have on hand or tailor it to your preferences. Here are a few delicious variation ideas:
- Add Protein: Make it a main dish by adding grilled chicken, steak (like barbacoa), pork (carnitas), shrimp, salmon, tofu, or sofritas.
- Boost the Veggies: Incorporate other fresh vegetables like bell peppers, cucumber, jicama, radishes, or corn (fresh or grilled).
- Include Jarred Vegetables: Add sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or marinated artichoke hearts for extra depth of flavor.
- Sweeten it with Fruit: Diced mango, pineapple, orange segments, or grapefruit pieces add a touch of sweetness and tropical flair.
- Add Beans: Black beans or pinto beans provide extra protein and fiber, making the salad more substantial.
- Crunch it Up with Tortilla Chips: Crumbled corn tortilla chips add a satisfying salty crunch.
Serving Suggestions: Pair Your Mexican Salad
This Mexican salad recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of dishes.
Perfect with Mexican Entrees:
- Enchiladas
- Tacos
- Tamales
- Fajitas
- Quesadillas
Or Enjoy it Alongside Other Salads:
- Everyday Salad (for a simple green salad)
- Greek Salad (for Mediterranean flavors)
- Caprese Salad (for Italian inspiration)
Conclusion
This Mexican salad recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and vibrant ingredients. Its ease of preparation and endless customization options make it a recipe you’ll turn to time and time again. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a healthy side, or a base for a satisfying main meal, this Mexican salad recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So gather your ingredients, whisk together that zesty dressing, and enjoy a taste of sunshine with every delicious bite of this incredible Mexican salad!
