Cowgirl Salad

Cowgirl Salad

6 servings
This Santa-Fe style salad is brimming with flavour, fibre and colour and is such a showy dish to impress guests!  You can double the chicken or tofu if you're making it for a bigger (or hungrier) crowd.  

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
  • 3 tablespoons natural smooth peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice)

    (from 1-2 limes

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt)
    (or to taste
  • 1 350 g. package extra firm tofu OR
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon cajun spice mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 heads torn romaine lettuce)

    10 cups

  • 1 540 ml can black beans)

    (drained and rinsed

  • 1 cup corn)

    (cooked and cooled

  • 2 red

    yellow or orange bell peppers, diced

  • 1/2 cup chopped pitted Medjool dates
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta or vegan feta)

    (optional

  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 2 avocados

    sliced or diced

  • tortilla chips for serving

    optional

  • 1 lime

    cut in wedges for serving

Directions

  1. 1

    Combine all of the salad dressing ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.

  2. 2

    To prepare the chicken, preheat a grill or frying pan on medium heat. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil or avocado oil over each chicken breast, rub it in, sprinkle each with the cajun spice mix to coat and season with salt. Grill on a barbecue or in a pan on the stove on both sides until the internal temperature reaches 165F. Transfer to a plate and cover with aluminum foil to rest.

  3. 3

    Place the torn romaine lettuce in a large bowl or in a large platter with sides.  Top with the black beans, corn, peppers, dates, feta and red onion. Slice the avocado on the salad just before serving, top with the grilled chicken or tofu, garnish with the lime wedges, and serve with the tortilla chips and salad dressing. Alternately, you can toss the salad with the salad dressing before adding the avocado, chicken or tofu and lime wedges. 

Cowgirl Salad

Cowgirl Salad

35 min6 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that effortlessly impresses your guests? This Cowgirl Salad delivers a stunning Santa-Fe style experience, brimming with flavor, fiber, and eye-catching color.

What makes this salad truly special is its dynamic interplay of textures and bold ingredients. From the creamy avocado to the sweet Medjool dates and the zesty peanut-lime dressing, every bite offers a delightful surprise, setting it apart from your everyday greens. Plus, it's easily adaptable to suit your crowd, whether you prefer chicken or tofu.

Prepare for a feast for the senses. You'll enjoy crisp romaine lettuce providing a fresh base, while black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers add a hearty, colorful punch. The unique dressing—a luscious blend of natural peanut butter, bright lime, and a hint of sweetness from honey or maple syrup—ties everything together with an irresistible aroma and taste. A sprinkle of Cajun spice on your chosen protein brings a warm, savory kick, complemented by the optional crumbled feta for a salty tang. This showy dish is designed to be a centerpiece, offering a complex yet harmonious flavor profile.

Customization & Variations

This Cowgirl Salad offers excellent flexibility. You can easily double the chicken or tofu to satisfy a larger or hungrier gathering. Feel free to use either red, yellow, or orange bell peppers based on what you have on hand or for varying pops of color. The feta cheese is entirely optional, allowing you to tailor the creaminess and saltiness to your preference. For the dressing, choose between honey or maple syrup, and either extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil, depending on your pantry.

Serve this Cowgirl Salad as a magnificent main dish, perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a special family meal. Garnish with fresh lime wedges and, for an extra crunch and festive touch, offer tortilla chips on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions