Spicy Salad with Kidney Beans, Cheddar, and Nuts | Made by Meaghan Moineau
**Title: Zesty Delight: Spicy Salad with Kidney Beans, Cheddar, and Nuts**
**Description:** Dive into a symphony of flavors with our Spicy Salad featuring kidney beans, cheddar, and a medley of nuts. This vibrant dish is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a wholesome meal that can be whipped up in record time. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying, boasting a tantalizing mix of creamy, crunchy, and spicy elements. Join me as I share a cherished family memory that this delightful salad brings to mind.
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**The Art of Quick and Healthy: Spicy Salad with Kidney Beans, Cheddar, and Nuts**
When it comes to preparing a meal that's both quick and nourishing, salads often take the spotlight. This Spicy Salad with Kidney Beans, Cheddar, and Nuts is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that's delicious and deeply satisfying. As a bonus, it's a meal that carries with it a personal story from my childhood that makes it even more special.
**Ingredients:**
- 1 cup cooked kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, torn into small pieces
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup salted roasted cashews
- 1/4 cup sundried tomatoes, cut into strips
- A dash of Tabasco
**Instructions:**
1. Begin by preparing your ingredients: Rinse and drain the kidney beans, cut the sundried tomatoes into strips, and tear the cheddar cheese into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large salad bowl, lay down a bed of mixed greens. Top the greens with kidney beans, sundried tomatoes, cheddar cheese, almonds, and cashews.
3. In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a dash of Tabasco sauce. Stir well to create a zesty dressing.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, ensuring every ingredient gets a touch of that spicy, tangy goodness.
5. Give it a gentle toss, ensuring all the flavors meld together beautifully.
This salad is not just a wonderful mix of textures and flavors but also a slice of my family's culinary history. Growing up, Sundays were reserved for family picnics in our local park. My mother would pack a wicker basket with freshly prepared dishes, and this spicy salad was always a staple. I remember the vivid flavors of the kidney beans and cheddar mixing with the crunch of the nuts and the tangy kick from the Tabasco-laced dressing. It was the perfect meal to enjoy on a sunny afternoon, surrounded by laughter and the rustling of leaves.
**Difficulty:** 3/10
**Classification:** Main Dish
With its simple preparation and vibrant flavors, this salad is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a quick, healthy meal that's rich in protein and fiber. Whether you're reminiscing about family picnics or simply seeking a nutritious lunch option, this Spicy Salad with Kidney Beans, Cheddar, and Nuts is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the journey of flavors and memories with every bite!