For the dressing, in a jar, combine all dressing ingredients, cover and shake to combine, or if preferred, whir for a second in a blender. *Note, if using olive oil for the dressing, remember to remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before using; the olive oil will harden in the fridge.
If toasting pumpkin seeds (pepitas) heat a small skillet over medium heat, add pumpkin seeds and shake a little chile powder or Tajin on top, shake pan until they are warm and popping, cool before placing on salad.
Place all ingredients for the salad in a large salad bowl, tossing to combine. Or, for presentation, place chopped romaine in a salad bowl, then add sections of each veggie, creating a colorful wheel. Add chopped avocados, and sliced radishes if desired and toss with cilantro and pepitas, and with honey lime dressing. Toss to coat.
Notes
Optional Toppings: Try thinly sliced radishes; add a lovely crunch like in this Poblano Chicken Soup. Cut up zucchini into small chunks. Crushed tortilla chips or Tortilla strips, toss in rotisserie or leftover chicken, and use leftover taco meat for a taco salad.StorageStore undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge 2-3 days. For meal prep, keep avocado, cheese, Pepitas and tortilla strips off until serving.
Meal Prep: Divide salad ingredients between meal prep containers with dressing on the side (I like these dressing containers to go).
Keto Taco Salad: In dressing, replace honey with a couple of teaspoons of Monk fruit sugar replacement or similar. Omit corn and black beans.
Protein: Add a protein, Coconut Lime chicken with fresh lime juice or plain grilled chicken would be excellent for this keto salad’s protein., or just grilled chicken would be fabulous; sprinkle a little garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder along with salt and pepper on the chicken before grilling. Chop and divide between meal prep containers after cooling completely.
Variations: Roasted red peppers, bell peppers, or your favorite Mexican peppers, such as poblano, Shishito, etc. Add garbanzo beans if desired for more protein.