When preparing a Southwest Salad, the most common questions typically revolve around the best type of ingredients to use, how to cut the vegetables, the right way to prepare the dressing, and how to properly mix the salad. Many home cooks often go wrong by using canned ingredients instead of fresh ones, cutting the vegetables too large or too small, making the dressing too acidic or too sweet, and overmixing the salad. To make the most of this dish, it's important to use fresh ingredients whenever possible. The vegetables should be cut into bite-sized pieces, the dressing should have a good balance between acidity and sweetness, and the salad should be lightly tossed just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp. A lesser-known tip is to add a splash of tequila to the dressing for an extra layer of southwest flavor. Another is to sprinkle a bit of cotija cheese on top for a savory punch.
What type of greens should I use for a Southwest Salad?
Can I use canned corn and beans?
How spicy should the dressing be?
What's the best way to cut the vegetables?
How can I add more protein to this salad?
How long ahead of time can I prepare the salad?
Can I make this salad vegan?
Why is my Southwest Salad dressing too acidic?
Is there a specific order I should add the ingredients?
How do I store leftover Southwest Salad?