Santa Fe Salad

$- 4 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, and romaine) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed) - 1 avocado, diced - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green) - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped - 1/4 cup lime juice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and pepper, to taste Each serving of Santa Fe Salad is packed with nutrients. Here’s a quick look: - Calories: 300 - Protein: 10g - Carbs: 30g - Fat: 15g - Fiber: 8g This salad provides a good mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. It makes a great choice for lunch or dinner. You can change up some ingredients in the Santa Fe Salad. Here are a few ideas: - Greens: Use kale or mixed baby greens instead. - Beans: Swap black beans for pinto or kidney beans. - Cheese: Try goat cheese if you want a different flavor. - Dressing: For a zestier kick, add some hot sauce to the lime dressing. - Vegetables: Add cucumber or radishes for extra crunch. These swaps keep the salad fresh and exciting! {{ingredient_image_1}} Begin by washing your salad greens. I like to mix spinach, arugula, and romaine. Use about four cups for a nice base. Place the greens in a large bowl. This base adds freshness and crunch to your salad. Next, it’s time to add the veggies. Start with the halved cherry tomatoes. They bring sweetness and color. Then, add a cup of rinsed black beans. These beans add protein and fiber. Follow with a cup of corn kernels, fresh or thawed. Now, add the diced avocado. It gives creaminess and healthy fats. Then, sprinkle in the thinly sliced red onion and diced bell peppers. This adds a nice crunch and flavor. Make sure to layer the veggies evenly for a great look. To make the dressing, grab a small bowl. Whisk together a quarter cup of lime juice and two tablespoons of olive oil. Add one teaspoon of ground cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything blends together. This dressing gives a zesty kick to the salad. Once your dressing is ready, drizzle it over the salad. Gently toss everything together to coat the veggies evenly. Finally, add the chopped cilantro leaves on top for a fresh finish. Enjoy your vibrant Santa Fe Salad! Serve Santa Fe Salad in colorful bowls. This adds fun to your meal. Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. You can also enjoy it with tortilla chips for a crunchy side. If you want a light lunch, serve it alone. For a heartier dinner, add a slice of cornbread. To make your salad pop, use bright bowls. Sprinkle extra cilantro on top for color. Add lime wedges on the side for a fresh touch. Arrange each ingredient neatly. This creates a beautiful and inviting dish. A well-presented salad makes it even more enjoyable to eat. You can easily change this salad to fit your needs. For a vegan option, skip the feta cheese. Use a plant-based cheese instead. If you need gluten-free, just check your ingredients. All items in this salad are naturally gluten-free. You can also add cooked quinoa for extra fiber and protein. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor and texture of your salad, making it more vibrant and delicious. Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to adjust the lime juice and olive oil ratio in the dressing to suit your taste, or add a touch of honey for a hint of sweetness. Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld and improves the overall taste. Experiment with Toppings: Try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or nuts for extra protein and texture, making the salad more filling and nutritious. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian Santa Fe salad. Start with the base of mixed greens, like spinach, arugula, and romaine. Add in the fresh veggies: cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, avocado, red onion, and bell peppers. For a tasty twist, swap feta cheese for goat cheese or leave it out. You can also use extra beans or add nuts for crunch. To make the salad vegan, omit the feta cheese. You can replace it with a creamy avocado dressing. Blend avocados with lime juice and a little water for smoothness. You can also add tahini for a nutty flavor. Use the same fresh veggies, and you’ll have a delicious vegan meal. If you want a heartier salad, add protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. You can also use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. Cook the protein with spices for extra flavor. Mix it into the salad for a filling meal that packs a punch! To store leftover Santa Fe salad, place it in an airtight container. Be sure to keep the dressing separate. This helps prevent wilting. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. To keep your salad ingredients fresh, store greens and veggies in separate bags. Use paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Place them in the crisper drawer. This helps maintain their crunch and flavor. For the avocado, sprinkle lime juice on the cut side before sealing. This prevents browning. If you have leftover black beans or corn, you can reheat them gently. Use a microwave or stovetop. Heat them just until warm, but avoid overcooking. This keeps the texture nice. Remember, it’s best to serve the salad cold, so add warm ingredients just before eating. If you want to swap out feta cheese, try goat cheese. It has a similar creamy texture. You can also use ricotta for a milder taste. For a dairy-free option, consider using crumbled tofu. Just add a bit of lemon juice for flavor. Yes, you can make Santa Fe Salad ahead of time. Prepare the salad base and store it in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate to add later. This keeps the greens fresh and crisp. You can mix everything just before serving. Making a gluten-free Santa Fe Salad is easy! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that the canned black beans and corn have no gluten added. It’s a fresh and healthy meal that everyone can enjoy, gluten-free or not. This blog post detailed how to create a tasty Santa Fe Salad. We covered the right ingredients and nutritional facts. I shared tips for preparation, layering, and dressing, helping you build a vibrant dish. You learned about variations for different diets, like vegetarian or vegan options. Proper storage methods keep your salad fresh. With these insights, you can enjoy this salad any time while making it your own. Create, share, and savor!$

A fresh and vibrant salad featuring mixed greens, black beans, corn, avocado, and a zesty lime dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, and romaine)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
1 whole avocado, diced
0.5 medium red onion, thinly sliced
0.5 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
0.25 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
0.25 cup lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens to create a fresh base for the salad.
Layer in the halved cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn kernels, diced avocado, sliced red onion, and diced bell peppers on top of the salad greens.
Gently sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad for a creamy texture.
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until combined.
Drizzle the dressing over the assembled salad and gently toss everything together to ensure an even coating.
Add the chopped cilantro leaves as a final touch for fresh flavor and color.
Divide the salad into individual bowls and serve immediately for maximum freshness.

Notes

Serve in colorful bowls and garnish with extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of cilantro for an attractive look.

Keyword healthy, salad, vegetarian