Welcome to a delicious and fresh recipe that combines the best of Mexican flavors with a refreshing twist! Today, we’re sharing the recipe for an Everyday Mexican Salad – an easy, customizable dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light side salad or a full, flavorful meal, this recipe has got you covered.
Introduction
Mexican cuisine is known for its bold, vibrant flavors and colorful presentation. This Everyday Mexican Salad blends fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and pepitas with a zesty cumin-lime dressing, making it a versatile dish. It’s not only quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also the perfect option for lunch or dinner. Best of all, it’s customizable to suit any taste preference or dietary need.
Ingredients for the Everyday Mexican Salad
For the Salad:
- 5 ounces mixed spring greens (or your favorite greens)
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 2/3 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- Optional: 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
For the Cumin-Lime Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (or red wine vinegar)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
How to Make Everyday Mexican Salad – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, lime juice, sea salt, cumin, black pepper, and garlic. Alternatively, you can shake all the ingredients together in a mason jar. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the spring greens, sliced avocado, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and pepitas. Toss lightly to mix.
Step 3: Add the Dressing
Drizzle the cumin-lime dressing evenly over the salad. Gently toss until the salad is well coated. If you are adding cheese, sprinkle it on top.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the salad immediately and enjoy the bright, refreshing flavors!
Helpful Tips for Everyday Mexican Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh avocado, ripe tomatoes, and vibrant cilantro are key to achieving the best flavor.
- Customize the Salad: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients. Black beans, grilled chicken, or even shrimp make excellent additions.
- Crisp Your Greens: If your greens are wilted, soak them in cold water for a few minutes before assembling the salad to restore their crispness.
Cooking Tips for the Best Everyday Mexican Salad
- Prepare in Advance: You can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days. However, it’s best to add the avocado and toss the salad right before serving to prevent browning.
- Upgrade the Dressing: Add a teaspoon of honey or agave nectar for a hint of sweetness in the dressing. You can also experiment with smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky kick.
Serving Suggestions for Everyday Mexican Salad
Pair this Everyday Mexican Salad with grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete meal. It also goes well with a side of tortilla chips and salsa or guacamole. For beverages, consider serving it with a cold, refreshing margarita or iced tea.
Nutritional Information
This salad offers a great mix of healthy fats from the avocado, fiber from the greens, and protein from the pepitas. It’s also a rich source of vitamins A and C, making it a nutritious option for any meal.
Nutritional Info for Everyday Mexican Salad (per serving):
- Calories: 250
- Fats: 18g
- Carbs: 14g
- Proteins: 4g
- Vitamins: A, C, K
Storage and Leftovers for Everyday Mexican Salad
How to Store: If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately to prevent sogginess. Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, and the dressing can be stored for up to three days. Re-toss with the dressing right before serving.
Reheating: Since this is a cold dish, no reheating is required, but make sure to toss it fresh before serving.
4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Everyday Mexican Salad
1. Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
2. What can I use instead of pepitas?
You can use sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, or chopped walnuts as a substitute for pepitas.
3. How do I keep the avocado from browning?
To prevent avocado browning, drizzle it with lime juice before adding it to the salad.
4. Can I use a different type of greens?
Absolutely! You can use spinach, arugula, or romaine lettuce instead of spring greens.
Related Recipes for Salad Lovers
- Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw: This fresh, zesty slaw is a perfect complement to any Mexican meal.
- Blueberry Peach Feta Salad: Try this refreshing summer salad for something a little different.
Conclusion
This Everyday Mexican Salad is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re serving it as a side or the main event, it’s versatile enough to suit any occasion. Don’t forget to share your version of the recipe and let us know how it turned out!
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Everyday Mexican Salad Recipe – Fresh, Quick & Easy
Description
Welcome to a delicious and fresh recipe that combines the best of Mexican flavors with a refreshing twist! Today, we’re sharing the recipe for an Everyday Mexican Salad – an easy, customizable dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light side salad or a full, flavorful meal, this recipe has got you covered.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 5 ounces mixed spring greens (or your favorite greens)
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 2/3 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- Optional: 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
For the Cumin-Lime Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (or red wine vinegar)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, lime juice, sea salt, cumin, black pepper, and garlic. Alternatively, you can shake all the ingredients together in a mason jar. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the spring greens, sliced avocado, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and pepitas. Toss lightly to mix.
Step 3: Add the Dressing
Drizzle the cumin-lime dressing evenly over the salad. Gently toss until the salad is well coated. If you are adding cheese, sprinkle it on top.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the salad immediately and enjoy the bright, refreshing flavors!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh avocado, ripe tomatoes, and vibrant cilantro are key to achieving the best flavor.
- Customize the Salad: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients. Black beans, grilled chicken, or even shrimp make excellent additions.
- Crisp Your Greens: If your greens are wilted, soak them in cold water for a few minutes before assembling the salad to restore their crispness.
