Southwest Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

This beautiful southwest salad is full of color and nutrients! It’s better than any restaurant salad, quick and easy to make, with lots of flavor and simple ingredients like lettuce, corn, tomatoes, black beans, and avocado.

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I usually make one main dish salad for dinner each week. It’s a good way to make sure we’re getting lots of veggies (and not eating too much cheese).

I almost couldn’t believe it when one of my kids, who is very anti-salad, tried this and decided it was actually really good. Actually, I could believe it, because I love it too!

What makes this the best southwest salad?

Main dish salads are great for spring and summer because they’re light yet filling. The salad itself starts with a simple combination of ingredients like lettuce, corn, and tomatoes. Everything comes together with the cilantro lime dressing.

It’s also topped with crispy, southwest flavored tortilla strips. If you can’t find any that are southwest flavored, feel free to leave them out or swap them for regular tortilla strips, crumbled tortilla chips, or even Doritos.

I love the extra crunch the tortilla strips give, but you could also wrap the whole thing in a big soft tortilla or wrap and take it on the go. 

While this salad is vegan, I’ve shared a few customizations down below for those who prefer to make it vegetarian or even add meat. It’s an easy way to make sure everyone in the house can have their needs met with one meal.

Southwest salad ingredients

• Lettuce
• Black beans
• Grape tomatoes
• Corn
• Scallions
• Avocado
• Tortilla strips

How to make southwest salad

Divide ingredients between two large bowls and top with cilantro lime southwest salad dressing.

Southwest salad dressing ingredients

• Cilantro
• Lime juice
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Honey
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt

How to make southwest salad dressing

In a small blender or food processor, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Drizzle over salad when ready to serve.

Top tips and questions

Do I need to make the southwest salad dressing in a blender?

For this healthy salad I used a cilantro lime dressing. I used a Nutribullet (affiliate link) to make my dressing. It’s just the right size for small jobs like that.

If you only have a blender or food processor you could probably use one of those, although it might be difficult with the small quantities. 

If you don’t have a blender at all feel free to just finely chop the dressing ingredients and whisk it together in a small bowl.

What kind of lettuce is best for salad?

I recommend using romaine lettuce for southwest salad. Other lettuces or leafy greens would work, but I like the texture of romaine.

How do I chop lettuce for salad?

I like to hold my head of romaine by the root end, then make a few cuts from end to end without cutting entirely through the root. Then turn the lettuce sideways and chop thin slices perpendicular to the cuts you just made.

This should result in perfectly shredded lettuce. You can easily cut them bigger or smaller depending on your preference.

How do I get a ripe avocado?

I have a whole post about how to ripen avocados. I always recommend purchasing them rock hard, then letting them sit in a paper bag for a few days until it feels a little soft when pressed gently.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this salad up to 3 days ahead of time. Just be sure to keep the dressing and salad separate until ready to serve, and wait to cut your avocado when you’re ready to serve as well.

Tips for customizing southwest salad

• Add the avocado or ¼ cup sour cream to the dressing ingredients when mixing for a creamy southwest avocado dressing
• Add cubed or shredded cheddar jack cheese
• Add 1 cup of cooked quinoa for extra protein and texture
• Cut grilled corn off the cob instead of using canned or frozen corn
• Meat eaters can add grilled chicken
• Swap the southwest tortilla strips for regular tortilla strips, crumbled tortilla chips, or Doritos
• Use this salad as a filling for a wrap to take it to work, school, or anywhere on the go
• Add slices of jalapeño to make it spicy

More salad recipes

• BBQ Chickpea Salad with Cornbread Croutons
• Warm Kale and Quinoa Salad
• Summer Salad with Fruit
• High Protein Fresh Vegan Salad with Hummus
• Healthy Green Salad with Sriracha Peanut Dressing
• The Best Easy Vegan Salad
• Roasted Sweet Potato and Kale Salad
• Pizza Salad
• Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
• Caesar Pasta Salad
• Vegan Potluck Barley Salad

If you make this recipe, be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!