Mexican Chopped Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Tired of the same old salad? Try this delicious Spanish variation! This fresh Mexican chopped salad is substantial enough to serve as a light main course on its own. Or, you can pair it with Pozole Rojo de Pollo or our hearty Keto Sausage Soup for a more complete meal.  Either way, this delicious, healthy dish is packed with fiber-rich black beans and plenty of fresh herbs and vegetables.

If fresh corn is not in season, substitute 1 cup prepared frozen sweet corn and skip Steps 2 and 3 below.

Mexican Chopped Salad Times

PREP TIME10 minutes

COOK TIME8 minutes

Creamy Avocado Dressing Ingredients

• 1 large avocado, pitted
• ½ small shallot, peeled and cut in half
• 3 T. fresh cilantro, chopped
• ¼ c. plain Greek yogurt
• 2 T. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 T. fresh lime juice
• 2 t. honey
• Optional: 2-3 T. water, if needed
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Chopped Salad Ingredients

• 2 large ears fresh corn, husks and silk removed
• 1 T. unsalted butter, melted
• 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 2 c. fresh arugula, chopped
• ¼ c. fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• ½ medium red onion, diced
• 1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 T. fresh lime juice
• 1 t. ground cumin
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 large lime, cut into 8 wedges

Instructions

1. To prepare the dressing, combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add a little water, if necessary, to reach the desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

2. Brush corn with melted butter and place on a pre-heated gas grill over medium direct heat, or indoors on a grill pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray set over medium-high heat.

3. Cook corn until kernels are slightly charred, rotating one-quarter turn every couple of minutes until each side is done. Remove from heat and slice kernels from the cob with a sharp knife. Reserve kernels and discard cobs. Set aside. 

4. Add chopped iceberg, arugula, and fresh cilantro to a large salad bowl and toss gently to combine. Set aside.

5. In a large mixing bowl, combine diced bell pepper, red onion, black beans, roasted corn kernels, lime juice, and ground cumin. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and toss gently to combine.

6. Add the seasoned black bean mixture to the bowl with the chopped lettuce and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately with Creamy Avocado Dressing or your favorite salad dressing. Enjoy!