Cowboy salad is a vibrant and hearty mix of fresh vegetables, beans, and zesty dressing that’s perfect as a side dish or light main course. Bursting with crunch and bold Southwestern flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser for barbecues, potlucks, or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp honey (or agave for vegan)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, avocado, and cilantro.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine:
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Tips for the Best Cowboy Salad
- Add crunch: Top with tortilla strips or crushed corn chips for extra texture.
- Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a protein boost.
- Use fresh lime: Freshly squeezed lime juice gives the dressing a brighter flavor.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx. 6 Servings)
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
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