Whispering Willow Kitchen — A Space for Flavor, Memory, and Intention
There’s something healing about summer food—simple, colorful, bold. And this Southwest Salad? It’s been my easy go-to when life feels too heavy and dinner needs to feel like a win.
Bright, nourishing, no fuss. It reminds me that a good meal doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to be made with care.
This plate features everything that makes a Southwest Salad sing:
- Crunchy lettuce as the base
- Black and pinto beans for protein and heartiness
- Diced tomatoes and creamy avocado for texture and richness
- A sprinkle of shredded cheese
- Tangy red salad dressing (or avocado lime dressing) that brings it all to life (I use The Original Western Dressing Sweet and Smooth Frensh Salad Dressing )
- Served with tortilla chips for that satisfying crunch
It’s the kind of dish that pairs beautifully with porch conversations, backyard journaling, or a quiet moment to breathe. 🌿
A generous serving of crisp chopped romaine forms the base, layered with black and pinto beans for hearty protein. Juicy grape tomatoes glisten beside creamy avocado cubes, and shredded pepper jack cheese adds a gentle kick. Everything’s pulled together with a lush drizzle of red dressing—my personal favorite Western Sweet & Smooth French or you can make the homemade avocado-lime version.
Golden tortilla chips rest on the side for crunch, and the whole plate sits atop a soft floral tablecloth, inviting comfort and connection. A silver fork waits patiently on the edge, ready to dig in.
This isn’t just a salad—it’s a celebration of color, nourishment, and easy summer living.
Let this recipe be your companion today—not just on your plate, but on the page. And if you’d like to see more favorites from my kitchen, take a peek at my consultant page here: 👉 pamperedchef.com/pws/mallen26
🥗 Summer on a Plate: Southwest Salad with Avocado Lime Dressing
Whispering Willow Kitchen – Seasonal Favorites with Heart
Some recipes just feel like sunshine. This one’s been a longtime summer favorite in my kitchen—easy, colorful, and full of soul. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this Southwest Salad offers bold flavors, nourishing textures, and a whisper of escape with every bite.
🌽 The Salad
- 2 heads chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 (15 oz) can each of black beans and pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1½ cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 ripe avocados, cubed
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack and/or Colby jack cheese
- 1 orange bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup thawed frozen corn (optional)
- Tortilla chips for crunch
🥑 Avocado Lime Dressing (Make Your Own!)
- 1 ripe avocado
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup olive oil
Blend all ingredients (except oil) until nearly smooth, then add oil and blend to finish.
Tip: Toss avocado cubes with lime juice to preserve color before serving.
This salad brings together everything I love—texture, zest, and simplicity. It pairs perfectly with porch journaling, evening chats, and yes, even soul writing.
🌿 Want to browse more tools to simplify your summer cooking? Visit my Pampered Chef page: 👉 pamperedchef.com/pws/mallen26
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