When the weather warms up, there’s nothing quite like a vibrant and flavorful salad to celebrate the sunny days. Our Grilled Tex Mex Salad is a feast for the senses, combining smoky grilled vegetables, zesty Mexican flavors, and a colorful array of fresh toppings. This recipe is perfect for al fresco dining, whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking for a satisfying meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Grilled Tex Mex Salad
Ingredients:
– 2 bell peppers (any color), halved and deseeded
– 2 ears of corn, husked
– 1 red onion, peeled and sliced into thick rings
– 1 zucchini, sliced lengthwise
– 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 avocado, diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the dressing:
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place the bell peppers, corn, red onion, and zucchini on the grill. Cook, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are charred and tender, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Remove the grilled vegetables from the heat and allow them to cool slightly.
4. Cut the kernels off the corn cobs and chop the grilled bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini into bite-sized pieces.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled vegetables, black beans, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.
6. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
7. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
8. Top the salad with crumbled cotija cheese and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
9. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste and enjoy this vibrant Grilled Tex Mex Salad with your favorite grilled protein or as a satisfying standalone dish.
This Grilled Tex Mex Salad is a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors that come together to create a truly appetizing dish. The smoky char from the grilled vegetables adds depth to the salad, while the creamy avocado and tangy cotija cheese provide a delightful contrast of textures. Whether you’re a dedicated salad lover or someone looking to add more veggies to your diet, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Serve it up at your next gathering or as a quick and healthy weeknight dinner – either way, you can’t go wrong with this colorful and delicious salad that captures the essence of Tex Mex cuisine.