Looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that bursts with flavor while keeping your health goals in check? Dive into the world of our "Healthy Light Chopped Mexican Salad"! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a stunning side at your next gathering. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a colorful medley of fresh ingredients that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful salad that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn, cooked
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all fresh ingredients by washing thoroughly. Drain and rinse the black beans in a colander under cold running water.
- If corn is not already cooked, quickly steam or microwave until tender and then let cool to room temperature.
- Dice the red onion into small, uniform pieces, ensuring they are roughly the same size for consistent flavor distribution.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes by cutting them vertically, creating even bite-sized pieces.
- Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and dice into small cubes. To prevent browning, sprinkle with a little lime juice.
- Chop the fresh cilantro finely, discarding any tough stems.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice to preference.
- Chill for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve cold as a refreshing and nutritious salad, optionally garnishing with additional cilantro.
Tips
- Ingredient Prep: To save time, prep all your fresh ingredients in advance. Wash and chop everything before you start assembling the salad for a seamless cooking experience.
- Perfectly Cooked Corn: If you're using frozen corn, make sure to steam or microwave it just until tender. Avoid overcooking to maintain that sweet crunch!
- Avocado Handling: To keep your avocado looking fresh, sprinkle it with lime juice immediately after dicing. This not only prevents browning but adds a zesty flavor.
- Flavor Balance: When making the dressing, taste as you go! Adjust the lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper to suit your personal taste preferences for the best results.
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the salad to chill for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together, making each bite even more delicious.
- Add Some Crunch: For an extra layer of texture, consider adding some toasted nuts or seeds, such as pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, just before serving.
- Customizable: Feel free to customize the salad by adding other ingredients like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even grilled chicken for added protein!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
