Mexican Chopped Salad
Jump to RecipeThis Mexican chopped salad is a vibrant and refreshing twist on traditional Mexican flavors, also packed with bold ingredients and a hint of garlic. A well crafted salad is a game-changer, offering an array of flavors and textures, all tied together with a lime dressing that keeps everything hydrated and harmonious.
Experience the ultimate flavors and nutrition boost with this Mexican chopped salad! So get ready for a fiesta in your mouth.
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Having a chopped salad as a side dish balances out the meal and elevates the overall flavor experience by adding a pop of color and excitement to your plate, leaving you craving more. With a mix of crisp greens, colorful veggies like corn, and savory dressing, this salad is the perfect complement to your main course.
What’s a Mexican chopped salad?
A Mexican chopped salad get’s its name from the fact that most, if not all, the ingredients are chopped into bite-size pieces. I’m obsessed with this type of salad because each bite is a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and nutrition.
What makes this salad Mexican?
It’s not just about the ingredients, but how they are used. Traditional Mexican salads feature cactus, lentils, and pasta, but this salad takes a modern approach with influences from Mexican Cuisine. So, what makes it Mexican? The ingredients, of course!
Mexican Chopped Salad Ingredients
Cabbage – Cabbage is a staple in Mexican cuisine, used raw in both tacos and enchiladas, among other dishes. Its versatility and flavor make it the perfect addition, while also being very filling.
Corn – Sweet corn is a Mexican favorite of course, popularly used for street corn, and now, this salad. Its natural sweetness pairs perfectly with savory Mexican flavors.
Tomato – Tomatoes are used in pico de gallo, salsas, stews and soups. Their sweetness is the ideal addition to many Mexican classics.
Cucumber – Cucumbers have gained popularity in Mexican cuisine and are often used in salads, agua fresca, and snacks. They add a refreshing twist indeed!
Red onion – cebollas rojas, or red onions, are pickled and used as a condiment in Mexican cuisine. But raw, they add a sweet and crunchy texture that’s delightful.
Cilantro – Cilantro, the star herb in Mexican cuisine! It’s bright, fruity, and citrusy flavors make it a staple in many dishes.
Dressing ingredients
Lime – Lime adds a light, grassy flavor that’s less sweet than lemons. Its unique taste makes it the go-to choice.
Garlic – Garlic, oh garlic, is a Mexican favorite, with dishes such as “al mojo de ajo” where shrimp or fish are smothered in a rich garlic sauce. So yes! We love garlic.
But that’s not all – the rest of the ingredients are classic salad staples, expertly combined to create a lime dressing that’s both tangy and delicious. The result is a salad that pairs perfectly with Mexican entrees like our Chille Relleno Casserole, but don’t feel limited! This recipe is so versatile and can complement a wide range of dishes.
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How to make a Mexican chopped salad
Step one: In a bowl, combine the prepared salad ingredients.
Step two: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime dressing ingredients until well combined and emulsified.
Step three: Drizzle the dressing over the salad, then toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
Step four: Once the salad is done, Serve it in individual bowls or family-style.
Create the BEST Mexican salad with these tips:
- Fresh and high-quality ingredients = vibrant colors, bold flavors, and satisfying textures.
- Mix it up with a variation of textures: cabbage, crunchy seeds, crispy tortilla strips, and creamy avocado.
- Add your favorite protein: grilled chicken, steak or tender carnitas.
- Dressing alert: don’t over do it to avoid soggy greens.
- Add the dressing just before serving to preserve freshness and crunch.
- Make it a fiesta on a plate with a pop of color!
Lime dressing
This lime dressing is so simple to make, yet the perfect addition to any salad! It’s light, aromatic, packed with intense flavors and so satisfying. With easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward recipe, you’ll create a unique experience that’s both refreshing and concentrated.
My favorite tools for the job:
Bowls: the perfect mixing vessels for a smooth blend.
Whisk: ensures everything combines well for a creamy dressing.
High-quality knife: makes chopping veggies precise and effortless.
Garlic press: efficient way to press and extract the most flavor from garlic.
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Mexican Chopped Salad
4
servings15
minutes15
minutesThis Mexican chopped salad is a vibrant and refreshing twist on traditional Mexican flavors, packed with bold ingredients and a hint of garlic.
Ingredients
- Salad Ingredients
4 cups 4 cabbage, finely shredded
2 cups 2 kale, roughly chopped
2 cups 2 spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup 1 corn kernels
1/4 cup 1/4 cilantro, chopped
1 ea 1 carrot, thinly sliced
1 ea 1 tomato, sliced
1/2 ea 1/2 cucumber, sliced
1/4 ea 1/4 red onion, sliced
- Lime Dressing
1/4 cup 1/4 extra virgin olive oil
2 TBSP 2 red wine vinegar
Zest of one lime
2 TBSP 2 lime juice
1 ea 1 garlic clove, pressed or grated
To taste To salt
To taste To black pepper, ground
