10+ Texas Salad Recipes That Bring a Taste of the South

Texas salads are a delicious and vibrant way to enjoy fresh ingredients. These salads often combine flavors and textures that reflect the bold spirit of Texan cuisine.

You’ll find a variety of recipes that are not only tasty but also perfect for gatherings or healthy meals.

Whether you prefer a classic bean salad or something more adventurous, there are options to suit every palate. Texas salads are generally easy to prepare, making them ideal for both seasoned cooks and beginners alike.

Get ready to dive into delightful Texas salad recipes that will excite your taste buds.

Texas Caviar with Black-Eyed Peas

Texas Caviar, also known as Cowboy Caviar, is a vibrant salad that highlights black-eyed peas. It’s perfect for get-togethers and adds a colorful touch to your table.

You can customize this dish with a variety of fresh vegetables. Common additions include bell peppers, red onions, and corn. The dressing is usually a light vinaigrette, bringing all the flavors together.

Serve Texas Caviar as a dip with tortilla chips or enjoy it on its own. It’s an excellent side dish for grilled meats or a hearty main course when paired with cornbread.

Ingredients

• 2 cans black-eyed peas, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup red onion, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup minced cilantro
• 3 scallions, sliced thin

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, and all chopped vegetables.
2. Mix in the minced garlic and cilantro.
3. Add a light vinaigrette dressing and toss gently to coat.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Spicy Avocado Ranch Salad

You’ll love this Spicy Avocado Ranch Salad for its fresh flavors and kick. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner.

Start with your choice of greens. Romaine or mixed greens work well. Add fresh veggies like diced tomatoes, corn, and bell peppers for color and crunch.

For the dressing, mix ripe avocado with ranch seasoning and a touch of lime juice. This dressing adds a creamy and spicy twist.

You can also bulk it up with grilled chicken or black beans. This adds protein and makes the salad even more filling.

Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings like sliced jalapeños or tortilla strips for extra texture.

Ingredients

• 3 cups romaine or mixed greens
• 1 avocado
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup corn, cooked
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• Juice of 1 lime
• Optional: grilled chicken or black beans

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the greens in a large bowl.
2. Chop the tomatoes and bell pepper, then add them to the greens.
3. In a bowl, mash the avocado. Mix in ranch seasoning and lime juice.
4. Stir the dressing into the salad.
5. Add chicken or beans if desired. Enjoy!

3) Grilled Corn and Poblano Pepper Salad

This salad is a perfect blend of smoky and fresh flavors. Grilled corn adds sweetness, while poblano peppers bring a mild heat. Together, they create a vibrant dish.

You can enhance the taste with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro. A simple lime dressing ties all the flavors together nicely.

This dish is versatile and pairs well with various grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own. It’s a great choice for summer gatherings or a light meal.

Ingredients

• 2 ears of corn
• 1 poblano pepper
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, diced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Brush the corn and poblano pepper with oil.
3. Grill the corn for 10-15 minutes, turning until golden.
4. Grill the poblano until charred, then remove the skin.
5. Cut the corn off the cob and dice the poblano.
6. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss with lime juice and salt.

4) Classic Southern Potato Salad

Classic Southern Potato Salad is a must-have side dish at any gathering. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with ingredients that many love. This dish brightens up barbecues and potlucks.

Start by boiling your potatoes until they are tender. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, and let them cool. Then, mix in diced onions, celery, and boiled eggs for added texture.

Next, combine mayonnaise and mustard to create the dressing. Stir this into the potatoes, ensuring everything is coated well. Season with salt and pepper for a flavorful kick.

Chill your potato salad in the fridge before serving. This allows the flavors to blend, making it even tastier.

Ingredients

• 5 medium potatoes
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 4 boiled eggs, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and cut potatoes into equal pieces.
2. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (15-20 minutes).
3. Drain and let cool before cutting into smaller pieces.
4. Mix together mayonnaise and mustard in a bowl.
5. Add cooled potatoes, celery, onion, and boiled eggs.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Chill in the fridge before serving.

5) Zesty Lime Shrimp Salad

Zesty Lime Shrimp Salad is a light and refreshing dish perfect for warm weather. You will enjoy the combination of juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and crisp vegetables. The tangy lime dressing brings everything together nicely.

For the best flavor, use large shrimp. Peel and devein them, then toss them with lime juice and cilantro. This adds a fresh zing that pairs well with the salad.

Serve your salad on a bed of lettuce or alongside some rice for a complete meal. Chilling the salad for 15-30 minutes helps the ingredients absorb the flavors fully.

Ingredients

• 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix lime juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Add shrimp and let marinate for 10 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro.
4. Add shrimp and lime mixture to the bowl. Toss gently.
5. Chill for 15-30 minutes before serving.

6) Creamy Jalapeño-Popper Chicken Salad

Creamy Jalapeño-Popper Chicken Salad is a fun twist on a classic dish. It’s packed with flavor, combining creamy cheeses, crispy bacon, and zesty jalapeños. This salad is perfect for lunch or as a light dinner.

You can serve it in buttery croissants or fresh lettuce wraps. The creamy dressing helps to keep all the ingredients together, making each bite delicious. Adjust the jalapeños to suit your spice preference.

This recipe is not only tasty but also easy to prepare. You can make it ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge for the best flavor. Enjoy this satisfying salad with your family and friends!

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup crumbled bacon
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2-3 diced jalapeños
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
2. In another bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, jalapeños, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir the creamy mixture into the chicken mixture until combined.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

7) Southwest Quinoa Salad

Southwest Quinoa Salad is a colorful and nutritious dish that’s easy to make. It’s packed with flavors and a delightful mix of textures.

To start, you’ll need quinoa, which has a nutty taste and works well with various ingredients. You can use either white or red quinoa. Both are high in protein and fiber.

You can add black beans, corn, bell peppers, and diced onions for extra crunch and color. For a touch of heat, consider adding jalapeños. A tasty chili lime dressing will tie all the ingredients together.

This salad is great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day. Enjoy it as a light meal or a side dish at your gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water or broth
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup chopped red onion
• 1-2 jalapeños, diced (optional)
• Cilantro, to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
2. In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water/broth. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until tender.
4. Remove from heat and let cool.
5. In a bowl, mix cooled quinoa with beans, corn, pepper, onion, and jalapeños.
6. Add lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
7. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

8) Watermelon and Feta Salad

Watermelon and feta salad is a refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm days. The mix of sweet watermelon and salty feta creates a delightful balance. You can make it quickly and enjoy it as a side dish or a light meal.

To prepare this salad, start with fresh, ripe watermelon. Cut it into bite-sized cubes.

Next, crumble some feta cheese on top of the watermelon. If you want to add a little extra flavor, consider including mint leaves or a splash of lime juice.

This salad is not just tasty; it’s also colorful. The bright pink of the watermelon and the white of the feta make it visually appealing.

Ingredients

• 4 cups watermelon, cubed
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cube the watermelon into bite-sized pieces.
2. Crumble the feta cheese over the watermelon.
3. Tear or chop the mint leaves and add them.
4. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Toss gently to combine and enjoy!

9) Tex-Mex Chopped Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing

This Tex-Mex chopped salad is a vibrant mix of flavors and textures. You’ll enjoy the crunch of fresh vegetables combined with the creaminess of the cilantro-lime dressing. It’s perfect for a light meal or a side dish.

Start by chopping your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onion. Add some black beans and corn for protein and sweetness.

Toss in fresh cilantro to enhance the flavor.

For the dressing, mix Greek yogurt and lime juice for a zesty, creamy base. Drizzle this over your salad just before serving. This salad is not only delicious but also healthy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup corn, drained
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine black beans, corn, bell pepper, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

10) Pecan and Blue Cheese Texas Garden Salad

This Pecan and Blue Cheese Texas Garden Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. You will enjoy the crunch of fresh veggies combined with creamy blue cheese and sweet pecans.

Start with a base of mixed greens. You can use romaine, spinach, or spring mix. Add sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion for extra color and crunch.

Next, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top. The rich flavor pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. Don’t forget to add candied pecans for a touch of sweetness.

For the dressing, a simple balsamic vinaigrette works well. Just mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle it over your salad before serving.

This salad not only looks appealing but is also packed with nutrients. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a side at dinner.

Ingredients

• Mixed greens
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Red onion
• Crumbled blue cheese
• Candied pecans
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt
• Pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and prepare the mixed greens.
2. Slice the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes.
3. Thinly slice the red onion.
4. Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad before serving.