Southwestern Layered Salad is an hearty layered dinner salad that’s packed with delicious southwestern flavors.Â

I’m embarrassed to admit that the first time my mom made this Southwestern Layered Salad that I didn’t want to try it. It took a long (long!) time for me to like salads, and I thought it just sounded … not so exciting.
Well, I’m happy to admit that I was so wrong. This salad is delicious! Everything comes together to make it a hearty, flavorful salad.

This southwestern layered salad is also really easy to make. If I don’t have leftover bacon (and I almost never do), I just chop everything up while the bacon is cooking, and then it’s all ready to put together. So, it’s a quick, easy dinner.

It’s also one of the only salads that my kids will happily eat. Not only do they eat it, but they ask for seconds or thirds, which is pretty amazing.
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Southwestern Layered Salad
Ingredients
- 15 ounce can black beans rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped, divided
- 3 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 14 ounce can corn drained
- 2 Roma tomatoes chopped
- 1 green pepper seeded and diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 slices bacon cooked and chopped
- 1 avocado diced
- 1/4 cup regular or fat-free Italian dressing
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together black beans, salsa, and 2 tablespoons cilantro.
- In a glass dish, in this order, layer black bean mixture, lettuce, corn, tomatoes, green pepper, cheese, bacon, and avocado.
- Drizzle dressing over the top.
- Serve immediately, and sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro just before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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This post was originally published on 12/31/12. It’s such a family favorite that I’ve decided to re-share it again.
Reader Interactions
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Comments & Reviews
Lucky me says
So good! I don’t feel like I am are depriving myself with this salad. Flavors galore.
Anne says
This salad was incredible! Great summer salad as a meal.
Kate says
Thank you! =)
Maggie says
Hi about 20 years ago there was a southwest salad that had salsa and I believe ranch dressing it s excellent lost book. Thank You.
Kate says
I’m glad you found this one! I hope you enjoy it. =)
Agness of Run Agness Run says
Yum! This is my kind of salad recipe! I will have to try it soon!
Kate says
Thanks!!
Meljoy says
About how many does it feed as a side dish?
Kate says
It feeds about 6 as a main, so I’d say about 12 as a side.
Karly says
Obsessed. This is perfect for parties, but also the perfect lunch or mexican dinner side! Love!
Kate says
Thanks so much! =)
Inci @ Bella's apron says
Looks healthy and great and perfect side dish or main entre too. love the pictures
Kate says
Thank you so much!
stacie juarez says
Sowthwesteren salad good.
kateheartseating says
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!! =)
kaymc says
This sounds great but that do you do with the rest of the cilantro. Recipe calls for 1/4 cup, you use 2 T in the bean mixture, when do you add the rest? I thought maybe sprinkle it on top but don’t see it in the picture.
kateheartseating says
Thanks for catching that! Yes, you sprinkle it on when you serve it. I’ll update the recipe so that part is fixed. Thanks again, and I hope you enjoy the salad! =)
Happy Valley Chow says
Absolutely beautiful salad! Definitely want to give this a try :)
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
kateheartseating says
Thanks so much!! =)