Description
Refreshing Mexican Fiesta Salad delivers a spectacular blend of zesty flavors and nutritious ingredients. Crisp vegetables, lean protein, and a tangy cilantro dressing make you crave healthy eating while satisfying your taste buds completely.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine, or kale)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 (120 milliliters) cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 (60 milliliters) red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 (120 milliliters) avocado, diced
Protein Sources:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chickpeas or grilled chicken
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) feta or goat cheese
Garnish and Healthy Fats:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) pumpkin or sunflower seeds
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a compact mixing vessel until emulsified and smooth.
- Arrange a colorful medley of mixed greens as the salad foundation in a spacious serving bowl.
- Layer fresh, halved cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber slices, thinly sliced red onion, creamy avocado chunks, and crumbled feta or goat cheese over the greens.
- Enhance protein content by introducing either tender grilled chicken strips or protein-rich chickpeas across the salad surface.
- Elevate texture and nutritional profile by generously scattering crunchy pumpkin or sunflower seeds throughout the dish.
- Gently cascade the prepared dressing over the salad components, using delicate tossing motions to ensure even distribution and comprehensive coating.
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness and crisp vegetable integrity, or store refrigerated for a quick, nutritious meal within 24 hours.
Notes
- Customize protein sources by swapping chicken with tofu, tempeh, or hard-boiled eggs for vegetarian and varied dietary needs.
- Maximize flavor intensity by letting dressing sit for 10-15 minutes before adding to salad, allowing ingredients to meld together.
- Keep avocado fresh by adding just before serving to prevent browning and maintain crisp texture.
- Boost nutrient absorption by including healthy fats like olive oil and avocado, which help body better process vitamins from vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: No cooking method
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 235 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg