Southwest Salad with Lime Vinaigrette and Cornbread Croutons

Name: Southwest Salad with Lime Vinaigrette and Cornbread Croutons
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 - 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 4 c. (3/4-inch) cubed day-old cornbread (about 12 ounces); 3 tbsp. olive oil; 1/2 lb. green beans, trimmed; 2 romaine lettuce hearts, chopped; 1/2 c. roasted salted pepitas; 3 oz. cotija cheese, crumbled (about 3/4 cup); Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1/3 c. fresh lime juice (from 2 limes); 3 tbsp. pure honey; 2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro; 1/2 tsp. ground cumin; 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika; 1/2 c. olive oil

This anytime salad is the perfect supper side dish.

By Lyda Jones BurnettePublished: Apr 25, 2022

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southwest salad with lime vinaigrette and cornbread croutons in a serving bowl on a bird themed table cloth

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Yields:

6 - 8 serving(s)

Prep Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

This bright bean-and-greens salad is a great way to use day old cornbread. The cojita cheese and lime vinaigrette give it a touch of Tex-Mex flavor.

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Ingredients

For Salad:

4 cups (3/4-inch) cubed day-old cornbread (about 12 ounces)
3 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 lb. green beans, trimmed
2 romaine lettuce hearts, chopped
1/2 cup roasted salted pepitas
3 oz. cotija cheese, crumbled (about 3/4 cup)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For Lime Vinaigrette

1/3 cup fresh lime juice (from 2 limes)
3 Tbsp. pure honey
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
1/2 cup olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Step 1Make croutons: Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss together cornbread and oil on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake, stirring once, just until golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Cool completely.
2. Step 2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add beans and cook until just tender, 2 to 4 minutes; drain and run under cold water until cool. Pat dry.
3. Step 3Make vinaigrette: Whisk together lime juice, honey, cilantro, cumin, and paprika in a bowl. Slowly whisk in oil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Step 4Combine croutons, beans, lettuce, pepitas, cheese, and Lime Vinaigrette in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.