Southwestern 7 Layer Salad

This variation combines layers of mixed greens, grilled chicken or turkey, black beans, corn kernels, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and a creamy cilantro-lime dressing. It\'s a hearty and protein-packed salad with a Southwestern twist.
This variation combines layers of mixed greens, grilled chicken or turkey, black beans, corn kernels, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and a creamy cilantro-lime dressing. It\'s a hearty and protein-packed salad with a Southwestern twist.

This variation combines layers of mixed greens, grilled chicken or turkey, black beans, corn kernels, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and a creamy cilantro-lime dressing. It’s a hearty and protein-packed salad with a Southwestern twist.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups mixed greens
  • 2 cups grilled chicken or turkey, diced
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels, cooked
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Creamy Cilantro-Lime Dressing:
    • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
    • 1/4 cup sour cream
    • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large serving bowl, spread a layer of mixed greens as the base layer.
  2. Arrange the diced grilled chicken or turkey on top of the greens.
  3. Layer the black beans and corn kernels over the meat.
  4. Scatter the diced avocado and halved cherry tomatoes over the beans and corn.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the salad.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the creamy cilantro-lime dressing.
  7. Drizzle the dressing over the top layer of the salad, ensuring all the ingredients are coated.
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy the hearty and protein-packed Southwestern 7 Layer Salad with its zesty and creamy flavours.

This salad is a satisfying and flavourful combination of fresh mixed greens, grilled chicken or turkey, black beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese. The creamy cilantro-lime dressing adds a tangy and refreshing twist. It’s perfect as a complete meal or a substantial side dish for any Southwestern-inspired gathering.