Mexican salads are an excellent choice for the summer, as they are fresh, full of flavour and very nutritious. Here we show you some Mexican salad recipes perfect to enjoy in the hottest days.

7 Mexican Salads for summer

Nopales Salad

Nopales salad is a traditional Mexican dish that stands out for its simplicity and delicious flavour. Nopales are the stalks of the nopal cactus (Opuntia), a cactus that is very common in Mexico and other Latin American countries. 

Nopal salad is usually fresh, vibrant and full of flavour. Here is a more detailed description:

Typical ingredients:

• Nopales: They can be fresh or canned. Fresh nopales are cleaned and cut into strips or cubes, while canned nopales only need to be drained and rinsed.
• Tomato: Add for colour and flavour. Cut into cubes or slices.
• Onion: Preferably red onion, thinly sliced or cut into small pieces.
• Cilantro: Use fresh, finely chopped, to give an aromatic touch.
• Lemon: Lemon juice is used to dress the salad, adding acidity and freshness.
• Salt: Salt is added to taste to enhance the flavours.
• Chilli (optional): Some recipes incorporate chillies such as serranos or jalapeños, finely chopped, to give a spicy touch.

Jicama and Mango Salad 

Jicama Mango Salad is a fresh and delicious combination of the crunchy texture of jicama and the tropical sweetness of mango.

It’s a refreshing and flavourful option, perfect with any meal or as a light dish on its own.

Typical ingredients:

• Jicama: A crunchy, slightly sweet root that is peeled and cut into thin strips or cubes.
• Mango: A sweet and juicy tropical fruit that is peeled and diced.
• Cucumber: Added for freshness and a touch of crunchiness. Peel and cut into thin slices.
• Cilantro: Used fresh and chopped, to add a fresh aroma and herbal flavour.
• Chilli (optional): Some recipes incorporate finely chopped jalapeño or serrano chilli for a spicy kick.
• Lemon juice: Used to dress the salad, adding acidity and enhancing flavours.
• Salt: Add to taste to balance the flavours.

Avocado and Tomato Salad 

Avocado and tomato salad is a simple but delicious combination of two fresh and tasty ingredients. Here is a more detailed description:

Typical Ingredients:

• Avocado: A creamy, nutritious fruit that provides healthy fats, smooth texture and a mild, buttery flavour.
• Tomato: A juicy, colourful vegetable that provides acidity, freshness and a firm textural contrast.
• Onion (optional): Can be red onion or white onion, adding a spicy kick and a bit of crunch.
• Lemon or lime juice: Used to enhance flavours, add acidity and prevent the avocado from oxidising.
• Olive oil (optional): Some recipes incorporate a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for extra shine and a silkier texture.
• Salt and pepper: These are used to season the salad and bring out the natural flavours of the ingredients.

Corn Salad

Corn salad is a typical dish of Mexican cuisine that stands out for its sweet and creamy taste, accompanied by a touch of spice and spices. Elote is the Spanish term for corn.

This salad is usually made with fresh or cooked corn kernels, mixed with a variety of ingredients that give it a unique and delicious flavour. Here is a detailed description:

Typical ingredients:

• Elote (Corn): Either fresh or cooked, it is the main ingredient of the salad. If fresh, it is cooked and the kernels are removed from the cob.
• Mayonnaise: Used to give creaminess and a mild flavour to the salad.
• Sour cream: Provides acidity and a lighter texture than mayonnaise.
• Cotija Cheese or Queso Fresco: Crumbles over the salad to add a salty touch and a little creaminess.
• Chili Powder: Adds a touch of spice and smoky flavour. Tajin is a popular choice.
• Lemon Juice: Used to add a touch of freshness and balance the flavours.
• Cilantro: Optionally, fresh chopped cilantro can be added for extra flavour and a touch of freshness.

Black Bean Salad

Black bean salad is a delicious and nutritious recipe that can be enjoyed as a main dish or side dish. Here is a detailed description:

Typical Ingredients:

• Black Beans: These are the base of the salad and provide an excellent source of protein and fibre. They can be canned cooked beans or cooked at home and cooled.
• Tomato: Adds colour and fresh flavour to the salad. Cut into small cubes.
• Purple Onion: Provides a spicy flavour and vibrant colour. Thinly sliced or cut into small cubes.
• Pepper: Whether red, green or yellow, adds a nice crunch and sweet flavour. Cut into cubes.
• Corn: Fresh corn, canned corn or frozen corn can be used. Adds a sweet taste and crunchy texture.
• Cilantro: Adds freshness and flavour to the salad. Finely chopped.
• Lemon Juice or Vinaigrette: Used to dress the salad and add acidity. A simple vinaigrette of lemon, olive oil, salt and pepper works well.
• Salt and Pepper: Used to season the salad to taste.

Orange and Avocado Salad

Orange and avocado salad is a delicious and refreshing combination that combines the citrusy sweetness of oranges with the creaminess of avocado. Here is a detailed description:

Typical Ingredients:

• Oranges: Sweet, juicy oranges are used, peeled and cut into slices or segments.
• Avocado: Provides creaminess and a smooth, buttery flavour. Cut into cubes or slices.
• Red onion: Optionally, finely chopped red onion can be added for a spicy kick and vibrant colour.
• Cilantro: Adds freshness and herbal flavour. Can be finely chopped and sprinkled on top.
• Lemon Juice or Vinaigrette: Use to dress the salad and add a touch of acidity. A simple vinaigrette of lemon, olive oil, salt and pepper works well.
• Salt and Pepper: Used to season the salad to taste.

Quinoa and Vegetable Salad

Quinoa and vegetable salad is a healthy and delicious option that combines quinoa, a protein- and fibre-rich pseudocereal, with a variety of fresh vegetables. Here’s a detailed description:

Typical Ingredients:

• Quinoa: This is the base of the salad and provides a light and fluffy texture along with a significant nutritional boost due to its high protein and fibre content.
• Vegetables: You can use a variety of vegetables depending on your preference and availability. Some common choices include:
  • Tomato: Adds colour and juiciness.
  • Cucumber: Adds freshness and a crunchy texture.
  • Pepper: Whether red, green or yellow, it adds sweetness and a splash of colour.
  • Purple onion: Provides a spicy flavour and vibrant colour.
  • Carrot: Adds a touch of sweetness and a crunchy texture.
  • Spinach or lettuce: Adds greenery and extra nutrients.
• Dressing: You can use a simple dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper, or experiment with other flavours to suit your preference.
• Herbs and spices: Optionally, you can add fresh herbs such as cilantro, parsley or basil, as well as spices such as cumin, oregano or paprika to give the salad more flavour.

And for you, what is your favourite Mexican salad? Have we forgotten any of them? Comment and leave us your opinion about these Mexican salads or others that we haven’t mentioned or that you would like us to include in our menu.

Remember! At Taquería de Birra we are experts in tacos and Mexican food since 1989, so if you want to try some tacos in the purest Mexican style, we invite you to order to take away or come and try them at our establishments in C/ Don Pedro, 11 and Plaza de las Comendadoras, 2.