Imagine a bowl brimming with vibrant colors—crisp romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, and sweet corn, all tossed together in a zesty, smoky dressing. Every bite of this Southwest Rainbow Salad is a fiesta of flavors, blending fresh, crunchy textures with creamy avocado and a tangy lime-kissed dressing. Whether served as a refreshing side or a hearty main, this salad is pure sunshine in a bowl!
Most of the recipes we (Lauren and Cassidy) make at home come from this cookbook.
It’s our go-to. That’s why we are happy to recommend it to you too.
Try These RecipesIngredients
For the Salad
✅ 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
✅ 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
✅ 1 red bell pepper, diced
✅ 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
✅ 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed from frozen)
✅ 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
✅ ½ red onion, finely chopped
✅ 1 avocado, diced
✅ ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Southwest Dressing
✅ ¼ cup olive oil
✅ 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
✅ 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
✅ 1 tsp maple syrup or agave
✅ ½ tsp cumin
✅ ½ tsp smoked paprika
✅ ¼ tsp garlic powder
✅ Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Chop & Prep: Wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
2️⃣ Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3️⃣ Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, corn, black beans, red onion, avocado, and fresh cilantro.
4️⃣ Toss & Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5️⃣ Enjoy Fresh! Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, or let it chill for 10–15 minutes to enhance the taste.
Tips for the Best Southwest Rainbow Salad
🌶 Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
🥑 Creamy Twist: Mix in vegan sour cream or tahini for a richer dressing.
🌮 Make It a Meal: Serve with tortilla chips or wrap it in a soft tortilla for a Southwest salad wrap!
❄️ Meal Prep Friendly: Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for freshness.
With its bold flavors, crisp textures, and vibrant colors, this Southwest Rainbow Salad is as stunning as it is delicious. One forkful, and you’ll be hooked!
Most of the recipes we (Lauren and Cassidy) make at home come from this cookbook. It’s our go-to. That’s why we are happy to recommend it to you too.