Description
A bold and flavorful salad featuring fresh ingredients and a delicious dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
- 1 cup cooked beef sausage, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Start by cooking the quinoa according to package instructions and letting it cool slightly. I like to spread it out on a plate so it cools faster and stays fluffy rather than clumping together.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Add the beef sausage slices, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sausage is browned and fragrant. This step always fills my kitchen with that unmistakable Southwest aroma that signals something delicious is coming.
- While the sausage cooks, prepare the vegetables. Chop the romaine, halve the tomatoes, dice the bell pepper, and cube the avocado. Rinse the black beans and corn thoroughly to keep the salad fresh and clean tasting.
- In a large bowl, layer the romaine, quinoa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, avocado, and cheese. Add the warm sausage on top so it slightly melts the cheese and warms the salad just enough.
- To make the dressing, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, hot sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness to your preference.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy the bold flavors of this Spicy Southwest Salad.
Notes
- This salad can be served cold or warm depending on preference.
- Feel free to customize with additional vegetables or proteins as desired.
- Make sure to taste the dressing before adding it to the salad for desired flavor balance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: Mixing and Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg