ADVERTISEMENT
This colorful and vibrant “Mexico” Salad is a delicious and hearty dish that brings together a variety of fresh vegetables, savory ham, and rich cheese for a perfect balance of flavors. Packed with bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and canned corn, it offers a refreshing crunch in every bite. The addition of ham and cheese makes it a filling salad, while the creamy mayonnaise dressing ties everything together. Seasoned with black pepper, salt, and a touch of hot pepper for some heat, this salad is a great option for lunch, dinner, or a side dish at your next gathering.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
200 g ham, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2-3 cucumbers, chopped
2-3 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 onion, finely diced
120 g cheese, shredded (cheddar, gouda, or your choice)
1 can canned corn, drained
Mayonnaise, for dressing (about 3-4 tablespoons)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Hot pepper (optional), to taste
Steps to Make Mexican-Inspired Salad with Ham and Cheese:
Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing all of your vegetables. Dice the red and green bell peppers into small cubes, chop the cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, and finely dice half an onion. Place all the chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
Dice the Ham
Cut the ham into small, bite-sized cubes. The ham adds a savory and salty flavor to the salad, balancing out the freshness of the vegetables. Add the diced ham to the bowl with the vegetables.
Shred the Cheese
Shred the cheese using a grater. You can use cheddar, gouda, or any cheese you prefer that melts well and adds a rich flavor to the salad. Once shredded, add the cheese to the bowl with the vegetables and ham.
Add the Canned Corn
Drain the canned corn thoroughly before adding it to the salad. The corn adds a lovely sweetness and extra crunch to the mix, making the salad even more colorful and flavorful.
Season the Salad
Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, you can add chopped hot pepper or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. This gives the salad a slight kick that pairs well with the sweet corn and creamy dressing.
Add the Mayonnaise
Add 3-4 tablespoons of mayonnaise to the salad and gently mix everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. The mayonnaise adds creaminess and ties all the flavors together, making the salad rich and satisfying.
Chill and Serve
After mixing, cover the salad and refrigerate it for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve the salad chilled for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings):
Calories: 320 kcal
Fat: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Protein: 12 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on portion size and specific ingredient brands.
FAQs:
1. Can I use a different dressing instead of mayonnaise?
Yes! If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a vinaigrette made with olive oil and lime juice. These alternatives will give the salad a different flavor but will still complement the ingredients well.
2. What type of ham should I use?
You can use any type of ham for this recipe, whether it’s baked ham, smoked ham, or deli ham. If you prefer, you can also substitute the ham with cooked chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to avoid the vegetables becoming too soggy.
Read more on next page
ADVERTISEMENT
