Mexican Salad

Full Tangy Mexican Salad Recipe with Traditional Seasonings

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mexican Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a Mexican-themed meal. This salad is packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich kidney beans, and a creamy dressing that adds a burst of flavor.

History

Mexican Salad is a popular dish that has its roots in traditional Mexican cuisine. It combines fresh ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers with beans and cheese to create a delicious and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) mixed salad leaves (e.g. oak leaf, radicchio, little gem, etc.), rinsed and drained
6 inches (15 cm) piece of cucumber, chopped
1 large carrot, grated
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 small green pepper, de-seeded and sliced
3 oz (85 g) canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 oz (57 g) raisins
2 tsp lime juice
5 fl oz (148 ml) natural fromage frais (up to 8% fat)
1 tsp tomato purée
1 tsp coarse grain mustard
4 oz (113 g) half-fat cheddar cheese, grated
salt and freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Arrange the salad leaves on four serving plates and top with the cucumber, carrot, tomatoes, green pepper, red kidney beans, and raisins.
Sprinkle the lime juice over the salad.
Blend the fromage frais with the tomato purée and mustard.
Season lightly with salt and pepper, then spoon the mixture over the salads.
Divide the grated cheese evenly between each plate and serve immediately.

Variations

Add avocado slices or guacamole for a creamy and flavorful twist.
Swap out the kidney beans for black beans or chickpeas for a different protein source.
Top the salad with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse and drain the salad leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.

- Grate the carrot and chop the vegetables evenly to ensure a balanced mix of flavors and textures.

- The lime juice adds a tangy kick to the salad, so adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.

- The creamy dressing made with fromage frais, tomato purée, and mustard adds a rich and savory element to the salad.

Serving Suggestions

Mexican Salad can be served as a light lunch on its own, or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Mexican Salad is to chop the vegetables evenly and mix the dressing ingredients thoroughly to ensure a well-balanced and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize the Mexican Salad with your favorite vegetables and toppings. You can also swap out the cheese for a dairy-free alternative or omit it altogether.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetables and dressing ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Mexican Salad on a large platter for a colorful and eye-catching presentation, or divide it into individual portions for a more elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Mexican Salad with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a cold Mexican beer for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Mexican Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to store the dressing separately and toss the salad just before serving to maintain its freshness.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mexican Salad contains approximately 250 calories, making it a light and nutritious option for a meal or side dish.

Carbohydrates

The Mexican Salad is a good source of carbohydrates, with the kidney beans, raisins, and vegetables providing a healthy dose of fiber and energy.

Fats

The cheese in the Mexican Salad adds a creamy and indulgent touch, but also contributes to the overall fat content of the dish. Opt for a low-fat cheese option if you are watching your fat intake.

Proteins

The kidney beans in the Mexican Salad are a great source of plant-based protein, making this dish a satisfying and filling option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables, including vitamin C from the tomatoes and peppers, and vitamin A from the carrots.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy from the cheese and fromage frais, so it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Overall, Mexican Salad is a healthy and balanced dish that provides a mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals to support a well-rounded diet.

Summary

Mexican Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich beans, and a creamy dressing, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Mexican Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a master in the art of Mexican cuisine, and I always admired her skills in the kitchen. As we chatted and sipped on some refreshing lemonade, Maria suddenly got up from her seat and rummaged through her collection of recipe cards.

"Ah, here it is!" Maria exclaimed, holding up a faded piece of paper with scribbled instructions. "This is my favorite recipe for Mexican Salad. I learned how to make it from my grandmother, who learned it from her mother before her. It's a family heirloom recipe, passed down through generations."

I watched in awe as Maria began to gather the ingredients for the salad. Fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, creamy avocado, tangy lime juice, and spicy jalapeños all came together to create a colorful and vibrant dish. Maria showed me how to chop the vegetables, mix the dressing, and assemble the salad with care and precision.

As we sat down to enjoy the meal, I took my first bite of the Mexican Salad and was immediately transported to a world of flavors and textures. The crispness of the lettuce, the creaminess of the avocado, the tanginess of the lime juice, and the heat of the jalapeños all combined to create a truly unforgettable taste experience.

After that day, I knew that I had to learn how to make Maria's Mexican Salad for myself. I asked her to write down the recipe for me, and she graciously obliged. Over the years, I have made this salad countless times for my family and friends, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

But it wasn't just Maria's recipe that inspired me to become a master in the kitchen. I also learned how to make Mexican Salad from other sources, each with their own unique twist on the classic dish.

One summer, I attended a cooking class at a local community center where the instructor taught us how to make a modern version of Mexican Salad. Instead of traditional lettuce and tomatoes, we used exotic ingredients like jicama, mango, and radishes. The dressing was a zesty combination of lime juice, honey, and chipotle peppers, giving the salad a sweet and spicy kick.

Another time, I traveled to Mexico and had the opportunity to learn from a local chef who shared his family recipe for Mexican Salad. The secret ingredient in his version was a homemade salsa made from roasted tomatoes, garlic, and cilantro. It added a depth of flavor that I had never experienced before, and I couldn't wait to try it out in my own kitchen.

As I continued to explore different recipes and techniques for making Mexican Salad, I realized that there was no one right way to prepare this dish. Each cook had their own interpretation, their own secret ingredient, their own story to tell.

And that's the beauty of cooking – it's a never-ending journey of discovery and creativity. Every time I make Mexican Salad, I am reminded of all the wonderful people and places that have influenced my culinary journey.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a delicious and refreshing salad recipe, look no further than my kitchen. I'll be more than happy to share my version of Mexican Salad with you, along with the stories and memories that have made it so special to me. Bon appétit!