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Cowgirl Salad Recipe

Cowgirl Salad Recipe
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4.8 from 80 reviews

Cowgirl Salad is a hearty and flavorful salad featuring a zesty peanut dressing, Cajun-spiced chicken or tofu, and a colorful array of fresh vegetables. This salad is a complete meal on its own, perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Salad Dressing

  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
  • 3 tablespoons natural smooth peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice (from 1–2 limes)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Cajun Chicken or Tofu

  • 1 350 g. package extra firm tofu OR
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon cajun spice mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 heads (10 cups) torn romaine lettuce (bite-size pieces)
  • 1 540 ml can black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup corn (cooked and cooled)
  • 2 red, yellow, or orange bell peppers, diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped pitted Medjool dates
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta or vegan feta (optional)
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 2 avocados, sliced or diced
  • tortilla chips for serving (optional)
  • 1 lime, cut in wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. MAKE THE SALAD DRESSING – Combine all of the salad dressing ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.
  2. PREPARE THE CHICKEN OR TOFU – To prepare the chicken, preheat a grill or frying pan on medium heat. Drizzle oil over each chicken breast, rub in the cajun spice mix and salt. Grill until internal temperature reaches 165F. To prepare tofu, cut into cubes, drizzle with oil, coat with cajun spice mix and salt, then fry until golden brown.
  3. MAKE THE SALAD – Place lettuce in a bowl, top with black beans, corn, peppers, dates, feta, and red onion. Add avocado, chicken or tofu, lime wedges, and tortilla chips. Serve with dressing.

Notes

  • This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
  • Feel free to customize the salad by adding your favorite toppings like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or grilled corn.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://queenrecipe.com/cowgirl-salad-recipe/