Whenever I make my Vegan Southwest Salad, it takes me back to warm summer days, where fresh ingredients and bold flavors come together effortlessly. This salad is such a joy to prepare. The combination of crisp romaine lettuce, sweet corn, and black beans always creates a delicious base, while the addition of bell peppers adds a vibrant crunch. It’s my go-to recipe for when I want something colorful and nutritious but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
The Perfect Summer Dish
One of the things I love most about the Vegan Southwest Salad is how easy it is to customize. If I’m out of romaine lettuce, I’ll swap it for mixed greens or iceberg. The black beans can easily be replaced with pinto beans if you’re looking for a different flavor profile. And, of course, the avocado dressing ties everything together, giving the salad a creamy finish. It’s a salad that doesn’t need an oven, making it ideal for those hot days when the last thing I want to do is cook.
Quick and Tasty
The best part about this Vegan Southwest Salad is how quickly it comes together. In just about 20 minutes, you’ve got a hearty meal that’s light, refreshing, and packed with plant-based goodness. I love to garnish mine with crushed corn chips for a little extra crunch and sprinkle on fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a quick weekday lunch.
Family Favorite
Over time, this salad has become a favorite in my household. My kids love the bright colors and the crunch from the chips, while I appreciate how healthy and balanced it is. Whether I’m serving it as a main dish or pairing it with some grilled tofu, the Vegan Southwest Salad never fails to impress. It’s one of those recipes that I always keep in my back pocket for an easy, delicious meal.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Vegan Southwest Salad
- Dry Your Ingredients Thoroughly: After rinsing the lettuce, black beans, and corn, ensure everything is completely dry using paper towels or a salad spinner. Excess moisture can make the salad soggy.
- Chop Uniformly: Try to cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even distribution and texture in every bite. Thinly slicing the onions and bell peppers makes them more pleasant to eat raw.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn cut off the cob, and ripe tomatoes make a big difference in flavor and texture. If possible, opt for in-season produce for the best taste.
- Toss Just Before Serving: For the freshest, crisp salad, toss the dressing with the ingredients right before serving. This prevents the salad from wilting or getting soggy.
- Avocado Dressing Consistency: If your vegan avocado dressing is too thick, thin it out with a little water or lime juice to achieve the desired consistency for easy mixing.
- Make it a Meal: For a more filling option, serve the salad with grilled tofu, tempeh, or even roasted sweet potatoes. These ingredients will also add extra protein and heartiness.
- Extra Crunch: If you love added texture, toss in roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds alongside the corn chips for a nutty crunch.
Vegan Southwest Salad
4
servings20
minutes0
minutes271
kcal20
minutesDive into this vibrant Vegan Southwest Salad, a no-cook summer sensation! Packed with crisp romaine, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and colorful bell peppers, this salad is a feast for the senses. Perfect as a starter or a main dish, it’s light, filling, and bursting with flavor. Quick to assemble and no oven required, it’s the ideal dish for those scorching summer days!
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Ingredients
- Vegan Southwest Salad
3/4 cup vegan avocado dressing
- Salad
2 heads of romaine lettuce, chopped (about 5 cups)
1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or canned)
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 large tomato, diced
- Optional Toppings
Crushed corn chips for garnish
Fresh cilantro leaves
- Alternative Ingredients:
Lettuce: Mixed salad greens or iceberg lettuce can be used instead of romaine.
Beans: Pinto beans or red kidney beans can replace black beans.
Corn: Fresh corn sliced from the cob can be used instead of canned corn.
Dressing: Vegan creamy green dressing or Jalapeno Ranch from Organicville can substitute avocado dressing.
Onion: Shallots or scallions can replace red onion.
Tomato: Heirloom cherry tomatoes halved or quartered can be used instead of a large tomato.
Directions
- Slice Vegetables – Thinly slice the red bell pepper and red onion. Dice the tomato into small pieces. Add these vegetables to the bowl with the lettuce.
- Add Corn and Beans – Drain and rinse the sweet corn and black beans. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Add them to the mixing bowl.
- Mix Dressing – Pour the vegan avocado dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Toss well to ensure all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Garnish and Serve – Portion the salad into individual servings. Top each serving with a handful of crushed corn chips and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- colander
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 271kcal
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 194mg
- Potassium: 500mg
- Fiber: 9g
- Sugar: 8g
- Vitamin A: 5000IU
- Vitamin C: 60mg
- Calcium: 80mg
- Iron: 3mg
FAQs- Vegan Southwest Salad
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the vegetables and beans ahead of time. However, wait to toss the salad with the dressing and add the crushed corn chips just before serving to avoid sogginess.
What can I use instead of avocado dressing?
You can substitute with a store-bought vegan ranch, a cilantro-lime vinaigrette, or even a simple olive oil and lime dressing.
Can I make this salad oil-free?
Yes! Simply use an oil-free dressing like a lemon-tahini or cashew-based dressing to keep it oil-free while still adding flavor.
How can I store leftovers?
Store the undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate and add the corn chips just before eating.
What other toppings work well with this salad?
Avocado slices, roasted chickpeas, or jalapeño slices add extra flavor. You can also sprinkle on some vegan cheese shreds or nutritional yeast for a cheesy element.
