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!
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.
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.
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.