Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something fresh, flavorful, and satisfying, but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen? Then look no further! This Tex-Mex salad recipe is your answer. It's a vibrant explosion of textures and tastes, combining the best of Mexican cuisine with a healthy, refreshing twist. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or even a fun party appetizer, this easy recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Get ready to experience a fiesta in every bite!
Ingredients:
This recipe is easily scalable; feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your needs and the number of hungry mouths you need to feed.
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey (lean)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Tortilla chips, for serving
- For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup lime juice (about 3 limes)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the meat: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the meat is cooking, dice the bell peppers and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Once the meat is cooked, set it aside to cool slightly.
- Combine the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, black beans, corn, bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Gently toss to combine.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the salad: Add the diced avocado and shredded cheese to the salad. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Avoid over-mixing to prevent the avocado from becoming mushy.
- Serve: Serve immediately or chill for later. Garnish with tortilla chips for added crunch.
Tips and Variations:
- 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: Include some chopped jalapenos or a handful of toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for extra texture.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the ground meat and add a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option. You can also add some grilled tofu for extra protein.
- Customize your toppings: Feel free to add other favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, sour cream, or salsa.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This Tex-Mex salad is a delicious and healthy meal that's quick and easy to make. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a satisfying and flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this easy, healthy, and delicious dish! It's sure to become a staple in your recipe collection of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. This homemade cooking delight is perfect for everyone, from beginners to experienced cooks!