19 Most Pinned Mexican Salad Recipes

Mexican cuisine is famed for its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and fresh ingredients. From corn and beans to zesty dressings and savory proteins, Mexican salads bring excitement and variety to the table.

Ready to spice up your meal plan? Here are 19 of the most pinned Mexican salad recipes that combine classic ingredients in delicious new ways!

1. Classic Mexican Corn Salad (Esquites-Style)

This Classic Mexican Corn Salad delivers sweet corn mixed with tangy crema, zesty lime, and a sprinkle of chili powder—perfect for backyard barbecues.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 3 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
2. 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Mexican crema
3. 1 tablespoon lime juice
4. 1/4 cup cotija cheese (or feta)
5. 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (plus more to taste)
6. 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. If using fresh or frozen corn, briefly sauté corn in a skillet with a little oil until slightly charred.
2. In a bowl, whisk mayo (or crema) with lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in corn and cotija cheese, then top with cilantro (if using).
4. Serve warm or at room temperature.

2. Tex-Mex Chicken Salad

Hearty and flavorful, this Tex-Mex Chicken Salad features seasoned chicken breast on a bed of lettuce, black beans, and crunchy bell peppers.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced
2. 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
3. 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
4. 1/2 cup corn kernels
5. 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
6. 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Dressing (optional):

1. 2 tablespoons lime juice
2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
3. 1/2 teaspoon cumin
4. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Layer lettuce in a bowl. Add chicken, black beans, corn, and peppers.
2. Whisk dressing ingredients and drizzle on top, or use your favorite bottled Tex-Mex dressing.
3. Top with cheese if desired.

3. Avocado and Tomato Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing

Fresh and creamy, this Avocado and Tomato Salad is tossed with a bright cilantro-lime dressing for a simple yet irresistible side.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 10 minutes
• Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 1 large avocado, diced
2. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
3. 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
4. 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Dressing:

1. 2 tablespoons lime juice
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a serving bowl, gently combine avocado, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro.
2. Whisk dressing ingredients; pour over the salad.
3. Toss lightly and serve immediately.

4. Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

A twist on the classic elote, this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad incorporates tender pasta, sweet corn, and a zesty chili-lime dressing.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4–5

Ingredients:

1. 8 oz short pasta (e.g., penne, rotini), cooked and drained
2. 2 cups corn kernels (grilled or sautéed)
3. 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
4. 1/4 cup chopped green onions (or red onion)
5. 1/4 cup cotija cheese (or feta)

Dressing:

1. 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
2. 1 tablespoon lime juice
3. 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
4. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a bowl, whisk dressing ingredients until smooth.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, corn, bell pepper, onions, and cotija.
3. Stir in the dressing until evenly coated.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

5. Southwest Shrimp Salad

Bright, bold flavors define this Southwest Shrimp Salad, where seasoned shrimp are laid over crisp lettuce, black beans, and juicy tomatoes.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2. 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
3. 1/2 cup black beans, drained
4. 1/2 cup corn kernels
5. 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
6. 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (optional)

Dressing (optional):

1. 2 tablespoons lime juice
2. 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
3. 1 tablespoon oil
4. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Season shrimp with taco seasoning if desired; sauté or grill until pink, about 2–3 minutes per side.
2. In a salad bowl, combine lettuce, beans, corn, and tomatoes.
3. Whisk dressing ingredients and drizzle over the salad.
4. Place cooked shrimp on top and serve immediately.

6. Grilled Chicken Fajita Salad

Turn your favorite fajitas into a salad with this Grilled Chicken Fajita Salad, complete with peppers, onions, and a spicy marinade.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 25 minutes
• Servings: 3–4

Ingredients:

1. 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
2. 1 bell pepper, sliced
3. 1/2 onion, sliced
4. 4 cups lettuce or mixed greens

Marinade (optional):

1. 2 tablespoons olive oil
2. 1 teaspoon chili powder
3. 1/2 teaspoon cumin
4. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Toss chicken strips with marinade. Grill or pan-sear until cooked through.
2. Sauté or grill peppers and onions.
3. In a large bowl, arrange lettuce. Top with chicken and veggies.
4. Use your preferred dressing, such as a lime-cilantro vinaigrette or salsa.

7. Quinoa Taco Salad

Healthy and satisfying, this Quinoa Taco Salad swaps traditional tortilla chips for protein-packed quinoa, plus classic taco fixings.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 3–4

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup quinoa, uncooked (makes ~3 cups cooked)
2. 1/2 cup black beans, drained
3. 1/2 cup corn
4. 1/2 cup diced tomatoes or salsa
5. 1 avocado, diced (optional)

Taco-Style Seasoning:

1. 1 teaspoon chili powder
2. 1/2 teaspoon cumin
3. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. Season the cooked quinoa with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. In a salad bowl, combine seasoned quinoa with beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado.
4. Add your favorite dressing or a squeeze of lime juice.

8. Roasted Poblano and Corn Salad

Smoky peppers elevate this Roasted Poblano and Corn Salad, garnished with cilantro and a tangy citrus dressing.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 25 minutes
• Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 2 poblano peppers, roasted and sliced
2. 2 cups corn kernels, roasted or sautéed
3. 1/4 cup red onion, diced
4. 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Dressing:

1. 2 tablespoons lime juice
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. 1/2 teaspoon honey or sugar
4. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Roast poblanos under a broiler or on a grill until skins blister; peel and slice.
2. In a bowl, combine sliced poblanos, corn, onion, and cilantro.
3. Whisk dressing ingredients and drizzle over the salad.
4. Serve warm or at room temperature.

9. Black Bean and Mango Salad

Sweet meets savory in this Black Bean and Mango Salad, which pairs bright fruit with beans, crunchy peppers, and a lime-cilantro dressing.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
2. 1 ripe mango, diced
3. 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
4. 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Dressing:

1. 2 tablespoons lime juice
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. Salt and chili flakes (optional) to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a bowl, combine black beans, mango, bell pepper, and cilantro.
2. Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, and seasonings.
3. Pour dressing over the salad and toss.
4. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

10. Chipotle Ranch Taco Salad

This Chipotle Ranch Taco Salad fuses smoky chipotle with creamy ranch, making a perfect topping for crisp lettuce, beans, and veggies.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 10–15 minutes
• Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
2. 1/2 cup black beans, drained
3. 1/2 cup corn
4. 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
5. 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Chipotle Ranch Dressing:

1. 1/2 cup ranch dressing
2. 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (or minced chipotle in adobo)

Recipe Steps:

1. Mix ranch dressing with chipotle powder to desired spiciness.
2. In a salad bowl, combine lettuce, beans, corn, tomatoes, and optional cheese.
3. Drizzle the chipotle ranch dressing and toss.
4. Serve immediately.

11. Mexican Caesar Salad

A twist on the traditional Caesar, this Mexican Caesar Salad includes tortilla strips, cotija cheese, and a cilantro-lime dressing.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 1 large romaine lettuce head, chopped
2. 1/2 cup tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)
3. 1/4 cup cotija cheese (or Parmesan)

Dressing:

1. 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
2. 2 tablespoons lime juice
3. 1 clove garlic, minced
4. 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
5. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Whisk dressing ingredients until smooth.
2. Toss romaine with dressing.
3. Top with tortilla strips and cotija cheese.
4. Serve immediately for the best crunch.

12. Pico de Gallo Salad

This Pico de Gallo Salad doubles as a chunky salsa or a side dish, combining classic pico ingredients with leafy greens or sliced romaine.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 10 minutes
Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups chopped tomatoes
2. 1/2 cup chopped onions
3. 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional, seeds removed)
4. 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
5. Juice of 1/2 lime
6. Salt to taste
7. Optional: 2 cups shredded lettuce or spinach

Recipe Steps:

1. Mix tomatoes, onions, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl to create pico de gallo.
2. If desired, layer shredded lettuce or spinach in a serving bowl.
3. Spoon pico de gallo over the greens.
4. Toss just before serving.

13. Grilled Steak Mexican Salad

For meat lovers, this Grilled Steak Mexican Salad tops crunchy lettuce with juicy steak slices, peppers, and a bold dressing.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 30 minutes
• Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 1 lb flank or skirt steak
2. 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
3. 1 bell pepper, sliced
4. 1/4 cup sliced red onion (optional)

Marinade (optional):

1. 2 tablespoons lime juice
2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
3. 1 teaspoon chili powder
4. 1/2 teaspoon cumin

Recipe Steps:

1. Marinate steak for ~15 minutes if desired. Grill or pan-sear to preferred doneness; let rest, then slice.
2. Arrange lettuce in a large bowl, and scatter peppers and onions on top.
3. Place sliced steak over the veggies.
4. Serve with your favorite Mexican-inspired dressing or salsa.

14. Tortilla Bowl Taco Salad

Fun and edible, this Tortilla Bowl Taco Salad turns crispy tortillas into bowls for all your favorite fillings—beans, lettuce, cheese, and more.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20–25 minutes
• Servings: 2–4

Ingredients:

1. 2–4 large flour tortillas
2. 1/2 cup black beans
3. 1/2 cup corn
4. 1 cup lettuce, shredded
5. 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
6. 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Recipe Steps:

1. Press tortillas into oven-safe bowls or molds, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for ~10–12 minutes until crispy.
2. Fill tortilla bowls with beans, corn, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.
3. Top with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

15. Citrus Jicama Salad

Crunchy jicama and juicy citrus segments make this Citrus Jicama Salad bright and refreshing, especially on warm days.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup jicama, peeled and cut into matchsticks
2. 1 orange (or grapefruit), segmented
3. 1/4 cup sliced red onion (optional)
4. 1 tablespoon lime juice
5. 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
6. Salt and chili powder (optional) to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a bowl, combine jicama, citrus segments, and onion if using.
2. Drizzle with lime juice, add cilantro.
3. Season with salt and a pinch of chili powder if desired.
4. Toss gently before serving.

16. Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad

Hearty sweet potatoes, earthy black beans, and a burst of spices come together in this Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 30 minutes
• Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
4. 1/2 teaspoon cumin
5. Salt and pepper to taste
6. 1/2 cup black beans, drained
7. 1/4 cup diced red onion or bell pepper (optional)

Dressing:

1. 2 tablespoons lime juice
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for ~20–25 minutes.
2. In a bowl, combine roasted sweet potatoes with black beans and optional onion/pepper.
3. Whisk dressing ingredients; drizzle over the salad.
4. Serve warm or chilled.

17. Green Goddess Taco Salad

This Green Goddess Taco Salad includes a creamy avocado-herb dressing that pairs beautifully with crisp lettuce and crunchy toppings.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
2. 1/2 cup corn
3. 1/2 cup black beans, drained
4. 1/2 cup diced tomatoes

Green Goddess Dressing:

1. 1 ripe avocado
2. 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
3. 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley
4. 1 tablespoon lime juice
5. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a blender, puree avocado, yogurt, herbs, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Arrange lettuce, corn, beans, and tomatoes in a bowl.
3. Drizzle or toss with the Green Goddess dressing.
4. Serve immediately.

18. Warm Chorizo and Spinach Salad

A satisfying Warm Chorizo and Spinach Salad features spicy chorizo crumbles over fresh spinach, often topped with a tangy dressing.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1. 8 oz fresh chorizo, crumbled
2. 4 cups spinach (or mixed greens)
3. 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
4. 1/4 cup sliced red onions (optional)

Dressing:

1. 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a skillet, cook chorizo until browned; drain excess fat.
2. Place spinach, tomatoes, and onions in a bowl.
3. Whisk dressing ingredients; drizzle over the greens.
4. Spoon warm chorizo on top. Serve immediately.

19. Lime-Cilantro Rice Salad

Carb-lovers can’t miss this Lime-Cilantro Rice Salad—mix leftover rice with beans, veggies, and punchy flavors for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 3–4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown), cooled
2. 1/2 cup black beans, drained
3. 1/2 cup corn
4. 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes or bell peppers
5. 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Dressing:

1. 2 tablespoons lime juice
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)
4. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, beans, corn, and veggies.
2. Whisk dressing ingredients until well combined.
3. Pour dressing over the rice mixture; toss gently.
4. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top before serving.