Santa Fe Salad

Name: Santa Fe Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 romaine lettuce hearts (chopped); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 red bell pepper (diced); 1 avocado (diced); 1 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained); 1 cup canned corn (drained); 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped); 1 jalapeño (seeded and minced); 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed); 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 clove garlic (minced); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

20 min 4 servings Easy

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Santa Fe Salad

A vibrant and hearty Santa Fe Salad packed with fresh veggies, beans, and a zesty Mexican vinaigrette.

Prep

20 min

Total

20 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

The Santa Fe Salad is a colourful and flavourful dish that brings together the freshness of vegetables and the heartiness of beans, all tied together with a zesty Mexican vinaigrette. This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful explosion of textures and tastes. Originating from the Southwest, this salad is a perfect representation of the region's culinary flair, combining elements that are both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you're serving it as a side dish or a light main course, Santa Fe Salad is sure to impress.

Instructions

Prepare the vegetables

Chop the romaine lettuce hearts, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red bell pepper and avocado, finely chop the red onion, and mince the jalapeño.

Pro tip: Keep the avocado aside until serving to prevent browning.

Rinse and drain beans

Rinse the canned black beans under cold water and drain well to remove excess sodium.

Mix the salad

In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, black beans, corn, red onion, and jalapeño.

Make the vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, ground cumin, chili powder, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Pro tip: Adjust the seasoning to taste by adding more lime juice or honey.

Dress the salad

Pour the Mexican vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine, ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated.

Pro tip: Add the vinaigrette just before serving to keep the salad crisp.

Add avocado

Gently fold in the diced avocado just before serving.

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Tips & Tricks

Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best texture.
Rinse canned beans well to remove excess sodium.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño.
Prepare the vinaigrette a day ahead for deeper flavours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mexican vinaigrette?

Mexican vinaigrette is a citrus-based dressing with spices like cumin and chili powder, often used in Southwestern and Mexican dishes.

How long does it take to make Santa Fe Salad?

The Santa Fe Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare.

Can Santa Fe Salad be made ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead, but add the vinaigrette and avocado just before serving.

What is a good substitute for jalapeño?

If you prefer less heat, you can substitute jalapeño with a milder pepper like a green bell pepper.

How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Santa Fe Salad chilled, making it an excellent choice for warm weather gatherings. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad can be made ahead, but add the vinaigrette just before serving to maintain the vegetables' crispness.