9 southwest salad recipes

This is my copycat of the popular salad sold at McDonald's. It's the only thing I eat off their menu and I was anxious to replicate it at home.

Southwest pasta salad with a creamy cilantro-lime-jalapeno dressing, fresh tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, and zucchini. A zesty make-ahead side that chills in an hour.

Baja chicken pasta salad pairs poached chicken breast and orzo with crunchy jicama, dried fruit, and a chile-spiked mayo-sour cream dressing. Sweet-savory chilled salad with a Southwest twist for picnics or weekday lunches.

Southwestern chicken salad: crisp lettuce, southwest veggies, and chicken tossed in a creamy chipotle-ranch and sweet-spicy BBQ dressing. A fast, no-fuss salad with a kick.

Tex-Mex chicken salad with picante-simmered chicken breast, creamy avocado, smoky bacon, and a cumin-spiked sour cream dressing. Bold Southwest flavor served cold on crisp lettuce.

Southwest ham and black bean rice salad with crunchy jicama, bell peppers, olives, and a cumin-chili vinaigrette. A sturdy one-bowl lunch or picnic-ready side.

Savory Southwest corn muffins stuffed with diced ham, pepper jack cheese, green chiles, and red bell pepper. Hearty enough for a meal with a side salad.

Sweet corn kernels, black beans, and red bell pepper toss in a cumin-spiked vinaigrette with fresh cilantro for a colorful Southwest-inspired salad that feeds a crowd.

Southwest meatball supper with chili-spiced beef meatballs in taco sauce and fresh tomatoes, served over shredded lettuce with cheese, avocado, and tortilla chips. A taco salad meets meatball dinner.