7 Ways to Make Mexican Salad

How's this for an awesome lunch: a heaping bowl of beans, avocado, corn, tomatoes or tomatillos, and tortilla chips all tossed together with a tangy vinaigrette. Don't go skipping off to the nearest salad spot just yet — making your own hearty Mexican salad is super easy. These delicious, flavor-packed variations feature some of the traditional elements of a Mexican salad, from avocado to corn and tomatillos, because salad is all about making a mix of your own.

Avocado, Orange, and Jicama Salad

Feta is a fun, briny addition to this salad's mix of Mexican ingredients: jicama, avocado, and cilantro.

Mexican Grilled-Corn Salad with Citrus Aïoli

This sweet, salty corn salad is the perfect picnic side. Bonus: You can make the aïoli the night before and fold it in right before serving.

Tomatillo-Quinoa Salad

Paula Disbrowe uses the Mexican husk tomato in this grain medley with depth and texture from queso añejo, a kick from serrano chile, and zest from lime juice. We love the colorful presentation, too.

Esquites-Style Poblano Pasta Salad

John Somerall turns the Mexican street food into a pasta salad, loaded with charred corn, zucchini, scallions, and poblano chile. A crema-mayo mixture flavored with lime and cilantro adds a bright finish, and Cotija and ancho chile powder seal the deal.

Summer Tomato Salad with Jicama and Avocado

Traci des Jardins’ take on a classic, produce-forward summer salad features juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and lightly sweet slices of jicama. The simple lime dressing gets a hit of fresh, herbal brightness from plenty of cilantro leaves.

Peppery Greens Salad with Avocado, Chicken, and Tortilla Croutons

Try these Tex-Mex tortillas with avocado, pepitas, and Pimentón de la Vera for a salad with Mexican components alongside Spanish and Lebanese influences.

Taco Salad

Another variation with filling chicken, this one incorporates homemade refried beans, tomato salsa, avocado, and taco shells. It's admittedly Tex-Mex, but delivers the Mexican salad flavor combination and crunch nonetheless.