South Of The Border Salad
South Of The Border Salad combines seasoned ground meats with fresh greens, beans, and cheese, offering a flavorful and hearty dish with a touch of spice. Perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners, it brings vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors to your table, making it a satisfying and colorful meal option.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground pork ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (7 1/2 oz.) can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 6 c. torn iceberg lettuce ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can garbanzo beans
- 1/2 c. sliced olives ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded Jack or Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the meat is browned and the onion is tender.
- Stir in flour, tomato sauce, undrained chopped tomatoes, chopped green chilies, and chili powder.
- Cook and stir until the mixture thickens.
- In a large bowl, combine torn iceberg lettuce, drained garbanzo beans, sliced olives, and shredded cheese.
- Add the cooked meat mixture to the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use lean ground beef and pork to reduce excess grease in the dish. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the meats with black beans or lentils. Fresh herbs like cilantro can add a nice touch, and you can use any cheese you have on hand. This recipe can also be customized with your favorite Mexican recipes to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This South Of The Border Salad is perfect as a standalone dish but pairs beautifully with Mexican Cornbread With Ground Beef for a hearty meal. Serve it with tortilla chips for added crunch or alongside a refreshing margarita for a festive touch. Consider garnishing with avocado slices or fresh salsa for an extra flavor boost.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes. If reheating, try to warm the meat mixture separately to avoid wilting the lettuce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of South Of The Border Salad contains roughly 822 calories, with 46g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), protein (92% of the Daily Value), and calcium (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 845mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp. If you want to make it even easier, you can prepare the individual components and mix them together when ready to eat.
What can I use instead of ground pork?
If you don't have ground pork on hand, you can easily substitute it with additional ground beef or use ground turkey for a lighter option. For a vegetarian alternative, consider using crumbled tempeh or chickpeas for added protein and texture.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To add more heat, you can include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. Using spicy chili powder or adding cayenne pepper will also enhance the flavor. For those who enjoy extra spice, consider serving with a side of spicy salsa.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).