Best 6 Southwest Summer Salad Recipes

If you're looking for a refreshing and flavor-packed salad that captures the essence of summer, then a southwestern summer salad is the way to go. This vibrant dish combines the bold flavors of the American Southwest with fresh, seasonal ingredients to create a truly unique and delicious salad. With its mix of roasted corn, black beans, tomatoes, avocado, and a zesty dressing, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, or as a side dish at your next barbecue or potluck.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SOUTHWESTERN SALAD

Southwestern Salad image

My mother gave me this recipe several years ago, and we have prepared it often ever since. It can be a meal in itself...or serve it along with a Mexican meal. I often take it to potlucks and watch it disappear in no time!

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 8-10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 bunch green onions with tops, sliced
1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and chopped
1 bottle (8 ounces) Catalina salad dressing, divided
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium head lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
4 cups corn chips

Steps:

In a large salad bowl, toss together the beans, green onions, tomato, avocado and half of the Catalina dressing. Top with cheese and then lettuce. Refrigerate. Just before serving, add corn chips to salad and toss. Serve with remaining dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 344 calories, Fat 23g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 24mg cholesterol, Sodium 543mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

SOUTHWEST SALAD

Southwest Salad image

Something I just threw together one night but ended up being the best salad I've ever made--corn, cheese, tomatoes and tortilla chips complimented by ranch dressing with a kick.

Provided by GreenEyedLS

Categories Salad Dressings

Time 10m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

bagged lettuce, preferably hearts of romaine
2 roma tomatoes, chopped
2/3 cup sharp cheddar cheese, GRATED
2/3 cup corn
2/3 cup tortilla chips, crushed
1 cup ranch dressing, from bottle
1/4 cup salsa
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin

Steps:

Mix all salad ingredients together in large serving bowl.
Mix all dressing ingredients together in a cup or small bowl.
Toss with dressing or serve on the side.
If preparing ahead of time, wait to add chips so they stay crisp.

SOUTHWESTERN SUMMER SALAD

Southwestern Summer Salad image

This salad calls for fresh vine ripened tomatoes, lime juice and cilantro.

Provided by Santiago

Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Tomato Salad Recipes

Time 15m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

4 large tomatoes, sliced
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon fennel seed
1 dried red chile pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

Arrange tomato slices on a platter; sprinkle with lime juice.
Warm oil in a small pan over moderate heat. Add cumin, fennel and chili pepper; cook for 30 seconds. Remove from heat, discard pod and cool.
Spoon seasoned oil over tomatoes, sprinkle with cilantro, salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 96.2 calories, Carbohydrate 7.7 g, Fat 7.2 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 10.3 mg, Sugar 4.9 g

EASY SOUTHWEST SALAD RECIPE

Easy Southwest Salad Recipe image

This Easy Southwest Salad is simple, delicious, and full of flavor. If you are looking for a healthy and tasty dinner, lunch, side dish, or appetizer, you have to try this salad.

Provided by Kristen Hills

Categories Salad

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

9 ounces romaine lettuce salad ((or spinach))
1 avocado (diced)
1 tomato (diced)
1 (15 ounce) can black beans ((rinsed and drained))
1 (7 ounce) can corn
1 (3 ounce) can olives (sliced)
1½ cups cooked chicken ((diced) (I used the pre-cooked southwestern seasoned chicken in the deli section))
6 ounces salad dressing ((your choice of flavor))

Steps:

Mix everything together and serve with your favorite salad dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 333 kcal, Carbohydrate 32 g, Protein 18 g, Fat 16 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 26 mg, Sodium 548 mg, Fiber 10 g, Sugar 6 g, UnsaturatedFat 13 g, ServingSize 1 serving

SOUTHWESTERN SALAD RECIPE BY TASTY

Southwestern Salad Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: avocado, lime, garlic, salt, water, green bell pepper, corn, cherry tomato, quinoa, black beans, spinach

Provided by Merle O'Neal

Categories Lunch

Yield 1 serving

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

½ avocado
1 lime, juiced
2 cloves garlic
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup water
½ green bell pepper, chopped
½ cup corn
½ cup cherry tomato, halved
¼ cup quinoa, cooked
½ cup black beans
1 cup spinach

Steps:

In a food processor, combine the avocado, lime juice, garlic, salt, and water. Pulse until smooth, then transfer to a large mason jar.
Add the bell pepper, corn, cherry tomatoes, quinoa, black beans, and spinach and screw on the lid.
Store in the refrigerator until ready to eat, up to 5 days.
Give the mason jar a good shake to mix and use a fork or spoon to stir as needed.
Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 501 calories, Carbohydrate 83 grams, Fat 15 grams, Fiber 21 grams, Protein 18 grams, Sugar 8 grams

CRISPY SOUTHWEST SALAD

Crispy Southwest Salad image

This layered salad in a jar is a hearty meal with cubed ham, crumbled bacon, salad greens, corn, roasted peppers, shredded cheese, tomatoes and tortilla strips.

Provided by Farmland

Categories Salad Beef and Pork Salad Recipes Ham Salad Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 quart-size canning jar
6 slices Farmland® Thick Cut Bacon
1 package Farmland® Cubed Ham
½ cup red peppers, roasted, sliced
½ cup corn
8 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 ounce Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
2 cups mixed salad greens
¼ cup crispy tortilla strips
¼ cup salsa

Steps:

Cook bacon in skillet then crumble on paper towel.
Heat oven to 425 degrees F.
Spread Farmland Cubed Ham, red peppers and corn on parchment-lined baking tray.
Bake for 10 minutes, tossing half way through.
Layer roasted corn in the bottom of the mason jar.
Top corn layer with halved cherry tomatoes.
Layer cubed ham over tomatoes. Add roasted red peppers, shredded cheese, and mixed greens.
Top with chopped Farmland Thick Cut Bacon and crispy tortilla strips.
Pair with your favorite dressing or salsa.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 455.4 calories, Carbohydrate 25 g, Cholesterol 42.6 mg, Fat 24.9 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 34.4 g, SaturatedFat 10.4 g, Sodium 2069.4 mg, Sugar 3.8 g

Tips:

Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest possible ingredients for the best flavor and texture. This is especially important for fruits and vegetables, as they tend to lose nutrients and flavor over time.
Balance of Flavors: Aim for a balance of flavors in your salad, with a mix of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter elements. This will create a more interesting and complex flavor profile.
Variety of Textures: Include a variety of textures in your salad, such as crunchy, soft, and chewy. This will add interest and make the salad more enjoyable to eat.
Proper Dressing: Use a light and flavorful dressing that won't overpower the other ingredients. A simple vinaigrette or citrus-based dressing is often a good choice.
Chill Before Serving: If your salad contains perishable ingredients, such as greens or fruits, chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.

Conclusion:

The recipes in this article offer a variety of delicious and refreshing Southwest summer salads. With their vibrant flavors, textures, and colors, these salads are perfect for any summer gathering. Whether you're looking for a light and healthy lunch or a flavorful side dish, you're sure to find a recipe in this article that you'll love. So grab some fresh ingredients and start creating your own Southwest summer salad today!