Such A Salad
A vibrant, flavorful salad combining fresh lettuce, beans, olives, vegetables, cheese, and crunchy Doritos, all coated in a creamy avocado dressing—perfect for casual gatherings or light lunches.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend avocado, lemon juice, sour cream, and seasonings to taste.
- Shred iceberg lettuce into a large bowl.
- Add remaining ingredients and avocado dressing; toss to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for a kick. If you don't have kidney beans, black beans or chickpeas are great substitutes. For a lighter dressing, Greek yogurt can replace sour cream. Ensure the avocados are perfectly ripe for the best creaminess in the dressing. This salad works well as a base for proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant salad as a main dish or as a side alongside grilled meats or tacos for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Lemon Angel Squares for a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal. For a vegetarian option, add roasted vegetables or quinoa for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving. When reheating, avoid microwaving the entire salad; instead, enjoy it cold, as the flavors meld beautifully when chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Such A Salad contains roughly 461 calories, with 12g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (24% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2485mg per serving (108% 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 ingredients ahead of time, but it's best to add the dressing and crushed Doritos just before serving to maintain their texture. If you mix everything in advance, the lettuce may become soggy.
What can I substitute for avocados if I'm allergic?
If you're allergic to avocados, you can use a creamy dressing made from Greek yogurt or silken tofu blended with lemon juice as a substitute. This will provide a similar creaminess without using avocados.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this salad vegan, replace the sour cream with a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or coconut yogurt, and omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute. This way, you can still enjoy a delicious and satisfying salad.
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).