Heart-Healthy Southwest Salad

Bright, bold, and bursting with Tex-Mex-inspired flavors, the Heart-Healthy Southwest Salad is the perfect balance of taste and nutrition. This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, featuring a vibrant mix of fresh romaine lettuce, spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy red bell peppers, and creamy avocado. The addition of low-sodium black beans and sweet corn amps up the protein and fiber, making it as satisfying as it is wholesome. Tossed with a zesty homemade dressing infused with fresh lime juice, cumin, and chili powder, this salad is a guilt-free crowd-pleaser. Whether served as a light main dish or a colorful side, it’s a delicious way to prioritize heart health without sacrificing flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 86/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups Romaine lettuce
• 2 cups Spinach
• 1 cup Black beans (low-sodium, rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup Corn (fresh, frozen, or no-added-salt canned, drained)
• 1 medium Avocado (diced)
• 1 medium Red bell pepper (diced)
• 0.25 cup Cilantro (chopped)
• 2 medium Green onions (sliced)
• 2 tablespoons Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil (extra virgin)
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 0.25 teaspoon Chili powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0 Salt (optional, to taste)
• 0 Pepper (to taste)

Directions

Step 1

1. Wash and dry the romaine lettuce and spinach, then roughly chop them and add them to a large salad bowl.

Step 2

2. Rinse and drain the black beans to remove excess sodium, then add them to the bowl.

Step 3

3. Prepare the other vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red bell pepper, and dice the avocado. Add them to the salad bowl along with the corn.

Step 4

4. Chop the cilantro and slice the green onions. Sprinkle both over the salad for added flavor and freshness.

Step 5

5. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt (if using), and pepper to make the dressing.

Step 6

6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.

Step 7

7. Serve immediately as a main dish or a side, and enjoy your heart-healthy Southwest Salad!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1201.3 grams (1201.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	883

Total Fat 41.10g	53%
Saturated Fat 5.90g	30%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 821mg	36%
Total Carbohydrate 116.40g	42%
Dietary Fiber 39.80g	142%
Total Sugars 26.50g
Protein 31.50g	63%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 272mg	21%
Iron 11mg	59%
Potassium 3276mg	70%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.5%

Protein: 13.1%

Carbs: 48.4%