You’ve heard me say like a billion times now how much I love Mexican food, so you probably aren’t surprised that Mexican-inspired salads are my fave!
With Cinco de Mayo coming up this weekend, I thought I would share a recipe for those of you looking to celebrate with some healthier recipes. Who says you can’t have a salad for Cinco de Mayo?!
Meet my latest lunch obsession. This avocado lime dressing is the bomb.com! The avocado makes it nice and creamy, but the dressing still has a light texture. I’m not really giving a recipe for the salad as you can really use whatever ingredients you want!
And hey, with the calories you save eating this salad, you can make up for it by drinking more margaritas! 
Ingredients
- 4 cups lettuce of your choice
- Suggested Toppings: sliced chicken breast, black beans, corn, tomatoes, shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, etc. (whatever you want!)
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tbs. cilantro
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup-1/2 cup water (depending on how thick you want the dressing to be)
Instructions
- Place the avocado, lime juice, cilantro, and garlic powder in a food processor. Pulse until the avocado is pureed.
- Add 1/4 cup of water and pulse. If dressing is too thick, add additional water until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.
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Mexican food is my favorite too. I had a taco salad last night for dinner because I was having a serious craving (and swimsuit season is officially here.) I wish I would have had this dressing recipe…it would have totally hit the spot!
Alyssa recently posted..Tahini Noodles
Thanks, Alyssa! I love taco salads too!
I love mexican food too! I love the dressing you made for this gorgeous salad. Its sounds so easy to put together.
Baker Street recently posted..Blueberry Lime Bread #SundaySupper
Thanks! It is super easy to put together!
This is so beautifully presented – looks fresh, crispy and perfect for a mexican picnic
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Choc Chip Uru recently posted..A Belated Tribute: Anzac Day 2012
Thank you!
The dressing is the real show stopper here-I can think of several uses for that-yum! I have never seen a dressing made with avocados before, but no doubt it works wonderfully. A great southwestern salad and dressing recipe to put in my files. Glad you posted this.
Tina@flourtrader recently posted..Zero Hour Cake
Thank you, Tina! I think this dressing would also be great on tacos instead of sour cream! Or even as a dip for chips!
Healthy salad with Yummy dressing in a gorgeous salad bowl,,,YUM,,,I love mexican cuisine too
Ridwan recently posted..Peanut butter cupcakes cross with nutella jelly
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You just reminded me that Cinco de Mayo is coming up… I totally forgot about it. This salad looks like a fiesta on a plate… and healthy too. I love avocados so I’m totally into this dressing. Have a great week! ~ Ramona
Ramona recently posted..Reese’s Peanut Butter S’mores (Microwave Version)
Thanks, Ramona! I almost forgot about it too.
That dressing sounds so fantastically creamy!
The tang must be perfect, too.
Kiri W. recently posted..April Foodie Penpals Reveal – Delicious Spicy Goodies
Thanks, Kiri! The avocado really does make it nice and creamy!
This is my idea of a perfectly light Mexican meal! Great salad, Stephanie! It looks so delicious and that avocado-lime dressing is calling my name!
Thanks, Georgia! I’m always trying to think of ways to ‘healthify” Mexican food. That way, I can have it more often!
mmmm creamy avocado dressing…I can totally get on that! Im always looking for creamy dressings that are still healthy! Im all about this!
Me too, Alaina!
Oooo, that dressing sounds delightful!!
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective recently posted..Pasta with Peas Smoked Almonds and Dill
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Perfect for Cinco de Mayo! I’m a fool for avocados!
Cassie recently posted..Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Honey-Peanut Drizzle
Me too, Cassie! I could eat one every day!
I am seriously in love with this dressing! It has so many of my favorite ingredients and is the perfect spring salad accoutrement. Yummers!
Maggie @ kitchie coo recently posted..Milk Bar Grasshopper Pie
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This is perfect with the holiday coming up this weekend. I’m still searching for what I’m going to make so this might be a top contender!
CJ at Food Stories recently posted..Raisin Walnut Bran Muffins – National Raisin Day
Thanks, CJ! I hope you like it!
wow! this is really great!. This is the food I’ve been looking for my diet.
Carol recently posted..flat rate movers
Thanks, Carol!
I LOVE anything with avocado! I’ve seen some avocado based dressing I really need to try out
Alysia @ Slim Sanity recently posted..plank a day
I do too, Alysia! I love them!
I can practically taste this salad–would definitely have black beans in mind. This looks delicious!
Cucina49 recently posted..Shoulda Coulda Woulda
Thanks! Black beans are a great topping for this salad!
I love Mexican too and this salad is right up my alley! Avocado is a Mexican trademark!
Katerina recently posted..Lemon Torte di Lefkothea
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What wonderful flavors…
I adore mexican food.. This salad sounds so yum..
I am drooling over the luscious dressing…
Perfect!!
Thank you, Reem!
This is my first time on your website and it’s really lovely. Great design, beautiful-looking recipes. Count me in as a new fan! And like you, Mexican food is my total fave, so I WANT THIS. I want it now……yum. Avocados…limes…cilantro….the golden triumvirate. Looks fabulous.
So glad you stopped by!
your little dressing container is so super cute. where did you get it? the dressing looks super yummy!
Emily @ Life on Food recently posted..April Foodie Pen Pal
It’s actually a measuring cup! My friend gave them to me for my birthday last year. I think she got them at Anthropologie.
Oh I hope my coworker brings me some avocados again, I totally want to make this! YUM
Lindsey@Lindselicious recently posted..Lunch at Sotto
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Looks great Steph! I love Mexican food & this dressing sounds like one I will use again & again! I’m all about eating more salads to make room for more margaritas too
Meghan recently posted..Peanut Butter Pretzel M&M Truffle Brownies
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looks and sounds perfect!! Can’t wait to try =))
Tess recently posted..Rustic Apple Plum Tart
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Great dressing idea. I love avocados!
Anita at Hungry Couple recently posted..Torta De Cielo (Mexican Almond Cake)
Thanks, Anita! I do too!
I could definitely get behind a salad for Cinco de Mayo if it included that dressing! It looks so good
Plus, my crazy plans definitely include chaperoning prom. WIthout drinks in the picture, a salad is sounding just about perfect.
Baking Serendipity recently posted..Chocolate Chip Espresso Sandwich Cookies
Oh man! Chaperoning prom! Sounds like you need to sneak some margaritas in your bag!
This dressing sounds so good. I haven’t had an avocado dressing before. I like the way you think by the way totally with you on having margaritas because I just ate a salad.
Susie recently posted..Angel Food Cupcakes
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I agree, the avocado-lime dressing is what makes this salad extraordinary. Love the combination of flavors. Yup, summer is on it’s way but I’d love to see spring colors in my salads still. Thanks for sharing, Steph. =)
myfudo recently posted..easy desserts & recipes: cupcake pops
I agree! The more colorful, the better!!
Gorgeous colors on this salad and I’m loving the avocado lime dressing..i’m so obsessed with avocados!
Julie @ Table for Two recently posted..Homemade Pasta Bolognese
Thanks, Julie! Me too!
Stephanie recently posted..Southwest Chicken Salad with Avocado Lime Dressing
This is such a great recipe, I love that dressing, it looks so creamy!
Thank you, Catalina!
Oh, your dressing sounds divine…and so does your wonderful salad! Perfect for Cinco de Mayo
Liz recently posted..Hungarian Shortbread…Baking with Julia~
Thank you, Lizzy!!
I am so glad I picked up extra avocados this week!! Wow!
Megan (Country Cleaver} recently posted..Coconut Shortbread
Thanks, Megan! I’ve been getting lots of extra avocados lately!
That avocado lime dressing sounds amazingggggggg
Beth Michelle recently posted..Caramelized Garlic Tart
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Looks Delish! Love the freshness of your salad, as well that avocado lime dressing is must try! Thank you for sharing and congrats on top 9!!
Sandra’s Easy Cooking recently posted..Foodbuzz: 24×24 – PASTA PARTY
Thanks, Sandra!
That avocado dressing looks awesome! So much better than just chopped avocado in the salad. Great salad! Congrats on the Top 9!
mjskit recently posted..Massaged Kale and Sweet Potato Salad
Thanks! Though I love avocado so much, I also chopped some up for the salad, lol!
I love you. I really do. I love you for this salad and I double love you for this dressing. Southwest Chicken Salad will be mine for lunch today.
Meagan @ Scarletta Bakes recently posted..It’a A Cinco De Mayo Fiesta!
Haha! I hope you enjoyed it!
This dressing is amazing!! I can’t wait to try it. I even have some avocados to use up!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts recently posted..Comment on Chili Lime Turkey Burgers by Julia {The Roasted Root}
Thanks, Erin! I hope you like the recipe!
Congratulations on your foodbuzz top 9, today!
Thanks, CJ!
Congrats on the top 9. Your blog is beautiful. I can’t wait to look through it all!
Thank you for stopping by, Julie!