Who says salads have to be boring? This Mexican Chopped Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing is packed with vitamins, nutrients, protein, and fiber that will help keep you full for hours!
I am in a really bad food rut these days, I am sure many of you can relate.
These ruts typically end every spring and always return in the winter, mostly in January. The truth is, I don't love eating salads in the freezing cold winter.
Even more so, I don't like making my own salads because they always seem so complicated. That is until now.
I like more comforting foods, and I just might have been eating too many of them lately. So this salad is my way of turning this all around.
No more boring salads.
If you are looking for some more healthy salad recipes, you will love this Arugula Beet Salad with Gorgonzola Cheese, Black Bean Avocado Quinoa Salad and definitely my Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad!
Why You Should Make This Mexican Chopped Salad
I always say that I like to keep my recipes simple and this salad is exactly that. Simple doesn't need to be boring though, especially with a creamy, delicious dressing like this. It’s the perfect addition to a Mexican chopped salad.
The dressing is straight out of The Greek Yogurt Cookbook (page 113, Spinach Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing) but I thought it would go perfectly with this Mexican salad too. Ok, let's be honest, this dressing would be awesome with just about anything.
My kids also love it as a dip for sliced veggies. Or you could eat it with a spoon.
I may or may not have done that. No judgements, right?
This Mexican chopped salad helps me to get back on track, which I need desperately.
Tips and Ideas
So let's talk about feeling stuck in a rut. My best advice (that I need to listen to myself!) is to prepare foods ahead of time. This really does help prevent you from mindless eating.
And your meals don't have to be difficult and labor-intensive. Just look how easy this kale salad is to make compared to a Mexican chopped salad!
Pick a day of the week that you have enough time to prep a bunch of meals and snacks. For me that day is always Sunday.
I make a bunch of overnight oats, chia puddings, grilled chicken, and salads. This way when I am HANGRY during the week I will stay on track and not be tempted to eat some of my kids' foods.
I love adding plain Greek yogurt to the dressing. It adds creaminess and of course protein.
The dressing will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days. And like I said, it has a ton of uses.
Related Recipes
Strawberry Spinach Salad from Lauren Kelly Nutrition
Yummy Kale Salad with Apples from A Mind Full Mom
Kale Salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette from Damn Delicious
Healthy Kale Salad with Pecorino and Walnuts from Smitten Kitchen
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Chopped Mexican Kale Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
Ingredients
- For the salad:
- 6 cups chopped curly kale
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- ½ cup diced grape tomatoes
- 1 avocado diced
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup tortilla strips for topping
- For the Dressing:
- 1 large ripe avocado peeled and pitted
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- ½ cup plain Stonyfield Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons red onion chopped
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients for the dressing in a food processor or blender.
- Blend until smooth. Place in airtight container for at least 2 hours so the flavors blend.
- In a large bowl, mix all of the ingredients together for the salad. Add dressing. Toss well and serve immediately.
Kristen
Made this salad for lunch and it was delicious.
Lauren Kelly
Thanks so much!
Daphne
This salad is delicious and packed with nutrients. It's filling and perfect for a healthy meal! Adding to my rotation.
Lauren Kelly
So happy you liked it, Daphne. It's one of my favorites!
Sha
This is my new go-to lunch meal! Sooooo easy yet so bright and tasty!
Lauren Kelly
YAY!! Thanks so much!
Valentina
I love this delicious and EASY kale salad! Its fresh yet hearty and packed with flavors.
emily
I love more complex salads with a ton of flavor, and this is definitely a salad with a lot of flavor, thank you for sharing!
Toni
Packed full of amazing flavors! A new favorite salad for my family!
Krystle
So many amazing ingredients and the avocado ranch is to die for. I can't get my family on the kale bandwagon, but this just might win them over.
lauren.kelly
I have also made this with spinach and it was delicious! Thanks for stopping by!
katerina @ diethood.com
Such a gorgeous salad!! The perfect lunch!! I can't wait to try this!
lauren.kelly
Thank you, I hope you love it!
Toni
This quickly became a favorite side dish at my house! It is so good!
lauren.kelly
Love that, thanks Toni!