PARTNER POST: Reinvent potato recipes to be fresher and lighter in the new year. Make it your resolution to try these dishes as nutritious packed lunch ideas.
In just thirty minutes, have a delicious packed lunch, vegetarian taco filling, or salad topping of potato salad packed with vegetables and flavorful spices.
By Danelle MC
One of my resolutions for 2016 is to eat healthier lunches. This seems to be a challenge for most people I know, whether they work in or out of the home. Even though I’m home during the day, all my kids are at school, so I’m less inclined to go to the trouble to fix something healthy just for myself. Whether you eat lunch at home or are looking to pack a healthier lunch to take to the office, this Southwest Potato Salad, loaded with veggies and beans, then tossed with a spicy olive oil dressing, is just what you need! This kept well in the refrigerator for about 3 days, which means you can make it once and pack a nutritious lunch for several days in a row. 
I love potatoes just about any way you can make them, but I especially love that potatoes are so good for you. One medium potato with skin has more potassium than a banana! Potatoes are also an excellent source of Vitamin C, fiber, B6 and iron. They’re also high in fiber and naturally gluten-free.
I used red potatoes in my salad. They have a subtly sweet, creamy texture that was a perfect compliment to the beans and roasted veggies in this dish. They also hold up well to some boiling and tossing, so they’re great in potato salads, but really, you could use any variety of potato in this recipe with good results!
This zesty salad is great to pack for lunch because it has an oil based (rather than mayonnaise based) dressing, so it can sit at room temperature for a few hours without any issues. I think it makes a great light lunch all on it’s own, but it also makes a fabulous side for some grilled chicken or steak.
You can raise or lower the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of jalapeño and cayenne. You could even change up the vegetables. I sautéed most of my veggies over medium-high heat for a few minutes to give this salad a hint of that blackened, roasted flavor, but you could add all your veggies raw, if you prefer.
Here’s another nutritious potato lunch that can be made the night before and packed for lunch.
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Easy Southwest Potato Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
In just thirty minutes, have a delicious packed lunch, vegetarian taco filling, or salad topping of potato salad packed with vegetables and flavorful spices.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds red potatoes (cubed)
- 1 cup frozen corn (thawed)
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 small jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for sautéing vegetables)
- 3/4 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Place diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and simmer until tender, about 12-15 minutes. Rinse with cold water and drain. Set aside to cool.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium high heat, sauté the corn, red onion, bell pepper, jalapeño and garlic for about 5 minutes until veggies are softened and slightly charred.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder and cayenne pepper.
- Add the potatoes to a large bowl, along with the sautéed vegetables. Toss with the oil and lime juice mixture. Stir in the black beans, green onions and fresh cilantro until well combined. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main, Side
