Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy meal? Then look no further! Antone's Monkey Salad is the perfect answer for busy weeknights or a fun weekend gathering. This isn't your grandma's salad – this is a hearty, satisfying dish packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing that will leave you wanting more. It's a simple, healthy meal, perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas or delicious dishes that are surprisingly easy to make. Let's dive into this fantastic food recipe!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe is designed to be straightforward, utilizing readily available ingredients. Feel free to adjust quantities based on your serving needs.
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey, for a leaner option)
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: Effortless Homemade Cooking
This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks, as each step is easy to follow. Let’s get cooking!
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the black beans, corn, bacon (if using), and cilantro. Heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the meat and vegetable mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Serve it Up: Spoon the Monkey Salad into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations: Customize Your Delicious Dish
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing for extra heat.
- Add some crunch: Toasted pepitas or crushed tortilla chips add a wonderful textural contrast.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with 1 (15 ounce) can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or chickpeas.
- Meal prep friendly: This salad is excellent for meal prepping. Make a large batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week for easy lunches or dinners.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
This Antone's Monkey Salad recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor and satisfaction. It's a great option for a healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!