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The origins of cowboy salad can be traced back to the heart of American ranch culture, where hearty meals were a necessity for those working long hours outdoors. This salad embodies the spirit of outdoor cooking, showcasing the bounty of fresh vegetables and lean proteins that reflect the rugged landscape of the American West. The concept behind cowboy salad is simple yet effective—take what nature provides and mix it all together to create something wonderful.

Cowboy Salad

Discover the vibrant and nutritious Cowboy Salad, a delightful blend of fresh ingredients perfect for any occasion. With a base of crisp romaine lettuce topped with sweet cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, black beans, crumbled bacon, and creamy avocado, this salad is not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor and health benefits. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it's easy to customize based on your preferences or seasonal ingredients. Enjoy the deliciousness and celebration of fresh produce in every bite!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup sweet corn, canned or grilled

1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)

1 avocado, diced

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2 cup ranch dressing (or your favorite dressing)

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Jalapeños for heat

Instructions
 

Prepare the Base: In a large salad bowl, start with the chopped romaine lettuce as your base.

    Add Fresh Ingredients: Layer in the cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, black beans, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, diced avocado, and red onion.

      Mix in Herbs: Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro evenly over the salad to add a burst of flavor.

        Dress the Salad: Drizzle the ranch dressing (or your choice of dressing) over the top of the salad. For a creamy texture, you can add more dressing to taste.

          Season to Taste: Lightly season with salt and pepper, and toss everything together gently until all ingredients are well combined and coated in the dressing.

            Optional Heat: If you like a bit of spice, add jalapeños to your preference and toss again.

              Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 4-6 servings