Seven Layer Fiesta Salad

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Seven Layer Fiesta Salad is a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for parties or a festive weeknight dinner. Layered with fresh veggies, savory beans, and creamy toppings, it’s both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying. Let's dive into this easy-to-make, flavor-packed creation!

Ingredients for Seven Layer Fiesta Salad

Shredded iceberg lettuce forms the crisp, refreshing base of the salad, providing a light and crunchy texture. Black beans add a hearty, protein-rich layer that’s both filling and flavorful. Corn kernels, with their natural sweetness, complement the beans and add a pop of color. Diced tomatoes bring juiciness and a slightly tangy note to the mix. Shredded cheddar cheese offers a rich, creamy element that ties all the flavors together. Sliced black olives add a briny hint, balancing the other ingredients with their unique taste. Diced red onions provide a sharp, zesty contrast, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Sour cream, mixed with taco seasoning, adds a tangy, creamy layer that’s reminiscent of your favorite Mexican dishes. Guacamole brings a smooth, avocado-rich layer that’s both creamy and flavorful. Chopped fresh cilantro adds a final burst of freshness and a hint of citrusy zest. A drizzle of lime juice ties everything together with a bright, tangy finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for a creamier texture compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
  • Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
  • For a spicier kick, add jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce to the sour cream mix.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or steak for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, add some spicy roasted chickpeas for extra protein. Serve with tortilla chips on the side for scooping up every delicious layer, or wrap it in a soft tortilla for a fun twist on a burrito.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it up to a day in advance, but add the guacamole and cilantro just before serving to keep it fresh.
What can I use instead of iceberg lettuce?
Romaine or mixed greens can be great alternatives, offering more nutrition and a slightly different texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The layers may mix, but it’ll still taste great!

Seven Layer Fiesta Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by taking a large glass bowl, which lets everyone admire the vibrant layers. Spread the shredded iceberg lettuce evenly across the bottom as the first layer. This forms the base, so make sure it’s laid out flat.

Next, evenly distribute the black beans over the lettuce. They’ll add a hearty touch to each bite. Follow with a layer of corn kernels, sprinkling them evenly to cover the beans.

Now, add the diced tomatoes on top of the corn, making sure they’re spread out to avoid any heavy spots. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese as the fifth layer, ensuring an even coverage for maximum flavor.

After the cheese, add the sliced black olives, scattering them over the cheese for a savory, briny touch. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with the taco seasoning — this will be your flavorful seventh layer. Dollop this mixture over the olives and spread carefully.

For the penultimate layer, gently spread the guacamole over the seasoned sour cream. It’s helpful to use a spoon or spatula for an even layer. Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro on top for garnish and flavor, then drizzle with lime juice just before serving to keep everything fresh and zesty.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to assemble with no cooking required.
  • Perfectly balanced flavors and textures.
  • Customizable for any taste or dietary preference.

Ingredients

2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn kernels
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup diced red onions
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1 cup guacamole
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons lime juice

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large glass bowl, spread the shredded iceberg lettuce evenly as the first layer.
2. Evenly distribute the black beans over the lettuce as the second layer.
3. Add a layer of corn kernels on top of the beans.
4. Layer the diced tomatoes evenly over the corn.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese as the fifth layer.
6. Spread the sliced black olives as the sixth layer.
7. Mix the sour cream with taco seasoning, then dollop over the olives as the seventh layer.
8. Carefully spread the guacamole over the seasoned sour cream layer.
9. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top for garnish and flavor.
10. Drizzle with lime juice before serving.

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