Good For You Pico De Gallo Chopped Salad
Finely chopped, fresh ingredients with just a hint of tang come together beautifully in one of our favorite salads of all time! In honor of Cinco de Mayo, I’m giving you a healthy, salad version of Pico de Gallo. Enjoy this powerhouse of nutrients, anti-cancer, good-for-you Pico de Gallo chopped salad!
Be Sure To Try My Easy Oven Baked Tacos Next!
Benefits of Pico de Gallo Chopped Salad
Pico de Gallo is a chunky version of Mexican salsa, consisting of fresh tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, lime juice, and fresh herbs like cilantro. It’s finely chopped and minced into a lovely relish that pairs well with many Mexican dishes. My recipe for a chopped salad version kicks it up a notch by adding protein, more nutrient-dense vegetables, and even feta cheese or a creamy dressing.
- Black beans are terrific sources of protein, containing the same type of antioxidants as blueberries. They’re incredible for gut health and lowering inflammation.
- Cucumbers are wonderful for hydration, weight management, and support detox.
- Red bell peppers are loaded with more Vitamin C than oranges, and are also high in beta-carotene. Ladies, they even enhance your skin and boost collagen production!
- Feta cheese is easier to digest than other cheeses. We love adding this sharp and crumbly cheese to this salad.
- Avocados are a highly nutritious fruit packed with healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients. They help lower the “bad” cholesterol.
- Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which helps protect your cells, and are great sources of Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
- Lime juice acidity helps your body absorb ALL these nutrients better.
In other words, Pico de Gallo Chopped Salad is fuel for your body and a great anti-cancer food!
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How To Make Pico de Gallo Chopped Salad
This salad comes together quickly and easily, just grab your best chopping knife! You can easily make it at meal times or make it a few hours in advance if you’re short on time around dinner. Better yet, grab a spouse or a child who can wield a knife, and enlist their help with the chopping!
step one:
First, drain and rinse your black beans. Then pour into a large bowl. You’re going to add everything to the same bowl. Next, rough chop your romaine and cilantro bunches, then dice bell peppers, cucumbers, and avocados. I prefer to dice my veggies into smaller, bite-size pieces.
Step two:
Add in your Pico de Gallo, crumbled feta cheese, lime juice, and yogurt or dressing if using. One remark I will make here is that I actually love incorporating store-bought Pico de Gallo here. It saves me a little extra time, and you can find it fresh anywhere. At this point you could add an extra protein like chunks of grilled chicken or ground beef. Mix everything together with a gentle toss.
summing up:
Enjoy the salad right away or chill for later. This salad is a great stand-alone meal, and I will often eat just this for a hearty, satisfying lunch. The recipe easily doubles or triples if you want to bring it to a party. Host a Cinco de Mayo fiesta and without a doubt your guests will be wowed with this flavorful, healthy side. Bring it to your next potluck or workplace luncheon. I doubt there will be one like it!
Remember, food that is better for you, tastes good too! Even on holidays and festive occasions, you can still serve up good for you, nourishing, REAL FOOD. Scroll down to view some of my favorite Latin-inspired recipe recommendations in honor of Cinco de Mayo!
other recipes you might enjoy:
- Best Semi-Homemade Salsa
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Instant Pot Salsa Brown Rice Chicken
- Crock-Pot Chicken Taco Soup
Anti-Cancer Pico De Gallo Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2-3 Tbsp cilantro, finely chopped (optional) not everyone is a big fan, but it's so good for you
- 1/4 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup Pico de Gallo, homemade or store-bought
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 Tbsp feta cheese
- 1 Tbsp plain yogurt or favorite Ranch dressing (optional) gives a creamy texture
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients into a bowl and give a gentle toss.
- Additional protein can be added, like ground beef, diced chicken, or even a baked salmon fillet.
- I will often double the recipe and eat throughout the day. This is one of our favorite salads!
Notes
- 1 pound romaine lettuce, chopped small
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped small
- 1 can of black beans
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber diced
- 2 avocados, diced
- 1 container pico de gallo, drained
- 2 limes squeezed on salad
- 1 small package feta cheese
- 1 small can sliced olives (optional)
- Chosen ranch dressing (optional)
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