Spicy Southwestern Salad with Avocado Dressing

Today’s southwestern salad is so super simple and classic – just spicy golden roasted sweet potatoes tossed with sweet corn (fresh or grilled? – you choose), black beans, chopped romaine lettuce, and a cool n’ creamy avocado dressing that is packed with cilantro, lime, and other good things.

A recipe for a Spicy Southwestern Salad with Avocado Dressing:

Ingredients:

For the salad:

• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 1 avocado, diced

For the avocado dressing:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, jalapeno pepper, and diced avocado. Toss gently to mix.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Drizzle the avocado dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

You can also add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a more substantial meal. Feel free to adjust the spiciness level by adding more or less jalapeno pepper according to your taste. Enjoy your Spicy Southwestern Salad with Avocado Dressing!