Description
Layered Mexican Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish packed with colorful vegetables, seasoned black beans, cheese, and a zesty lime dressing—all beautifully layered for an eye-catching presentation. This no-cook salad is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a convenient make-ahead meal, delivering bold Tex-Mex flavors in every refreshing bite.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Condiments & Seasonings
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, forming a smooth and flavorful dressing.
- Layer the salad: In a large clear glass bowl or trifle dish, start by evenly spreading the chopped romaine lettuce as the base layer. Next, add a layer of rinsed and drained black beans, followed by a layer of drained corn. Continue layering with diced red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, diced avocado, and finally, shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Add the dressing: Evenly spread the prepared dressing over the top cheese layer to cover it completely. This adds moisture and enhances the flavors throughout the salad.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and gives the salad a refreshing crispness.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for added color and aroma. Serve the salad cold and enjoy the vibrant, layered Tex-Mex flavors.
Notes
- To prevent avocado from browning, add it just before serving or toss it in a bit of lime juice.
- This salad can be made up to 4 hours in advance to maintain freshness and presentation quality.
- For extra protein, consider adding seasoned ground beef or grilled chicken.
