Name: Low Calorie Mexican-Style Cobb Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 12 strips uncured bacon, (see shopping tips); 8 cups romaine lettuce, chopped, (see prep tips); 2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half; 1 cup fresh corn, cut off the cob (~2 small cobs) or 1 cup frozen corn, thawed; 1 orange or yellow bell pepper, cleaned, cored and chopped; 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup red onions, chopped fine; 1 cup crushed reduced-fat tortilla chips (~18 chips), (see shopping tips); ½ cup Trader Joe’s Reduced-Fat Cilantro Salad Dressing,; 2 teaspoons honey

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Not sure what made me create this colorful, fiber-rich, salad but I love love, love, it, and think you will too! So yummy, I could eat it every week. It’s chock full of great, skinny, satisfying ingredients. It not only contains chopped romaine lettuce instead of iceberg and lean bacon, but it also has chopped bell peppers, black beans, fresh corn cut off the cob, and crunchy crushed reduced-fat tortilla chips. In addition, it’s tossed in a yummy reduced-fat cilantro dressing. Each very large main course salad has 283 calories, 8 grams fat and 9 grams of fiber!

Mexican Style Cobb Salad, So Deliciously Satisfying and Low in Calories

Why You'll Love My Low Calorie Mexican-Style Cobb Salad

Enjoy a vibrant and flavorful fiesta in a bowl without the guilt with a Low Calorie Mexican-Style Cobb Salad! This customizable salad is packed with nutritious ingredients and a Southwestern flair. Imagine a hearty and colorful bowl brimming with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, lean protein like grilled chicken or black beans, creamy avocado, sweet corn, and a zesty, light dressing that ties all the flavors together. It's a fantastic way to enjoy the satisfying layers and textures of a classic Cobb salad while embracing the bold and bright tastes of Mexican cuisine, all in a calorie-conscious way. Whether you're looking for a light yet filling lunch, a healthy dinner option, or a flavorful way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, this Mexican-style Cobb salad is a winner. Say goodbye to heavy, traditional salads and hello to a refreshing, zesty, and endlessly adaptable Mexican-inspired delight that won't derail your healthy eating goals!

Ingredients For Low Calorie Mexican-Style Cobb Salad

Uncured Bacon (12 strips): While offering a savory and smoky crunch, using uncured bacon provides a slightly more natural option without added nitrates or nitrites. When cooked until crisp, it adds a burst of flavor and a satisfying textural contrast to the fresh vegetables. The key is moderation to keep the calorie count in check.

Romaine Lettuce, chopped (8 cups): This crisp and refreshing leafy green forms the base of our salad, providing a significant volume with minimal calories. Romaine is a good source of vitamins A and K, as well as folate and fiber, contributing essential nutrients and a satisfying crunch. Chopping it ensures easy mixing and eating with the other ingredients.

Cherry Tomatoes, sliced in half (2 cups): These small, sweet tomatoes add bursts of juicy flavor and vibrant color to the salad. They are a good source of vitamin C, antioxidants like lycopene, and contribute to hydration. Slicing them in half releases their sweetness and makes them easier to combine with the other ingredients.

Fresh Corn, cut off the cob (~2 small cobs) or 1 cup frozen corn, thawed: Corn provides a touch of sweetness and a satisfyingly chewy texture. Fresh corn off the cob offers the best flavor, but thawed frozen corn is a convenient alternative. Corn contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals, adding a subtle sweetness that complements the savory and spicy elements of the salad.

Orange or Yellow Bell Pepper, cleaned, cored and chopped (1): These colorful bell peppers add a sweet and slightly crisp element to the salad. They are an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants, contributing both flavor and nutritional value. Choosing orange or yellow varieties adds visual appeal and a slightly different sweetness profile compared to green bell peppers.

Black Beans, rinsed and drained (1 cup): A plant-based protein powerhouse, black beans add a hearty and slightly earthy flavor to the salad. They are packed with fiber, protein, and essential minerals, contributing to satiety and nutritional balance. Rinsing and draining them removes excess sodium and any starchy liquid.

Red Onions, chopped fine (1 cup): Red onions provide a sharp and slightly pungent flavor that adds a zesty kick to the salad. Chopping them finely ensures their flavor is distributed throughout without being overwhelming. They also contribute antioxidants and a vibrant color.

Crushed Reduced-Fat Tortilla Chips (~18 chips): These provide a satisfying salty crunch reminiscent of traditional Cobb salad croutons but with less fat. Crushing them adds texture and a hint of corn flavor that complements the Mexican theme. Using reduced-fat chips helps to keep the calorie count lower.

Trader Joe’s Reduced-Fat Cilantro Salad Dressing (½ cup) or Dreamy Skinny Cilantro Ranch Dressing: The dressing ties all the flavors together, providing a creamy, tangy, and herbaceous element with a Southwestern twist thanks to the cilantro. Opting for a reduced-fat version or a homemade "skinny" alternative significantly lowers the calorie and fat content without sacrificing flavor.

Honey (2 teaspoons): A touch of honey adds a subtle sweetness to the dressing, balancing the tanginess of the other ingredients and enhancing the overall flavor profile. Its natural sweetness complements the cilantro and other Southwestern spices.

Crafting a Low Calorie Mexican-Style Cobb Salad

Step 1: Preparing the Crispy Bacon (Microwave Method)

Layer with Paper Towels: Place two sheets of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. These will help absorb the grease as the bacon cooks.
Arrange the Bacon: Lay 6 strips of uncured bacon in a single layer on top of the paper towels. Ensure the strips are not overlapping for even cooking.
Cover and Cook: Place another two sheets of paper towels on top of the bacon. Microwave on high until the bacon is crisp, which typically takes around 4 to 5 minutes. Cooking time can vary depending on your microwave's power and the thickness of the bacon. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Blot and Set Aside: Once the bacon is crisp, carefully remove the plate from the microwave. Use more paper towels to blot any remaining grease from the cooked bacon. Set the crispy bacon aside to cool.
Repeat for Remaining Bacon: Repeat steps 1-4 with the remaining 6 strips of bacon, using fresh paper towels for each batch to ensure optimal crisping and grease absorption.

Step 2: Assembling the Vibrant Salad Base

Combine Fresh Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add 8 cups of chopped romaine lettuce, 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of fresh corn (cut off the cob) or thawed frozen corn, 1 chopped orange or yellow bell pepper (cleaned and cored), 1 cup of rinsed and drained black beans, and 1 cup of finely chopped red onions. This colorful combination provides a variety of textures, flavors, and essential nutrients.
Add the Crispy Bacon: Once the cooked bacon has cooled slightly, crumble it into small pieces and add it to the large bowl with the vegetables. The crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky crunch to the salad.
Incorporate the Tortilla Chips: Add 1 cup of crushed reduced-fat tortilla chips (approximately 18 chips) to the bowl. These provide a satisfying salty and corn-like crunch, reminiscent of croutons in a traditional Cobb salad but with less fat.

Step 3: Dressing and Serving Your Flavorful Salad

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup of Trader Joe’s Reduced-Fat Cilantro Salad Dressing and 2 teaspoons of honey. The honey adds a touch of sweetness that complements the cilantro and other Southwestern flavors. If you are using your homemade Dreamy Skinny Cilantro Ranch Dressing, you can omit the honey as it's likely already incorporated.
Toss or Layer the Salad: You have two serving options:
1. Tossed Salad: Add the prepared dressing to the large bowl with the salad ingredients and toss everything well until the vegetables and bacon are evenly coated. You can add a little more dressing if desired, to your taste.
2. Layered Salad (Cobb Style): Alternatively, you can line each individual plate with a bed of chopped romaine lettuce. Then, divide and arrange all the remaining salad ingredients (tomatoes, corn, peppers, beans, onions, crumbled bacon, and tortilla chips) in neat rows on top of the lettuce, as often seen in a classic Cobb salad presentation. Serve the dressing on the side, allowing each person to add their desired amount.
Serve Immediately: For the freshest and crispiest salad, serve your Low Calorie Mexican-Style Cobb Salad immediately after tossing or arranging. Enjoy this vibrant and guilt-free meal!

This recipe provides a satisfying and flavorful salad packed with fresh vegetables, lean protein from the black beans and chicken (if added, though not listed in these ingredients), and a lighter dressing option. The microwave method for cooking bacon is a quick and easy way to achieve crispiness with less mess.

Helpful Tips About this Recipe

Makes 4 servings (about 4 cups each)

Shopping Tips
Happily, there are many brands of bacon, uncured without nitrates. I like Applegate Farms Natural Sunday Bacon. It’s low in fat and calories, uncured and contains no nitrites! Many supermarkets carry this brand. I bought it at Vons/Safeway and Whole Foods. Here’s the link to their website: http://www.applegate.com/products/natural-sunday-bacon

Now Oscar Meyers makes an uncured, no nitrates bacon. You can find it at most supermarkets.

Trader Joe’s Reduced-fat Cilantro Salad Dressing is a fresh dressing displayed in the refrigerated section, near the lettuces. It contains 45 calories and 3.5 grams of fat for 2 tablespoons. I’ve added a little honey to make this dressing really taste wonderful!

Prep Tips
Cobb salads are best made with chopped lettuce. If using pre-washed bags of romaine, still chop all the leaves fine. This is simple to do if you stack a bunch of lettuce together first, then chop all at once.

Serving Tips
This salad makes a delightful side salad too. It will serve 8 to 10 people.

WW Freestyle SmartPoints 4 Blue
WW SmartPoints 7-Green

SKINNY FACTS: for 1 serving (about 4 cups each) including dressing and tortilla chips
283 calories, 8g fat, 2g sat. fat, 10mg chol, 17g protein, 43g carbs, 9g fiber, 512mg sodium, 6g sugar

FACTS: for Freestyle SmartPoints
139 calories, 1g sat. fat, 4g sugar, 9g protein