If I had to choose one cuisine to eat for the rest of my life, minus breakfast, I’d choose Mexican food. Though, my version might fall closer to Tex-Mex (Mexican food Texas style). By the way, have I ever told you about how we do one massive grocery trip every 3-4 weeks?
I didn’t think so. We do one massive grocery trip every 3-4 weeks and stock up at Trader Joe’s and Costco. We fill in with the co-op and over-priced market down the street. In the summer, we fill with the farmer’s market. This helps to lower our grocery bill and eat through our fridge and produce tower without much waste. Also, I hate grocery shopping.
You’re probably thinking, they must meal plan to shop this way. We don’t because I’m extremely unorganized. Gosh, I could do a whole post on how we shop, but I’ll leave that for another day. I tell you all of this because the way we shop lends itself to making and eating a lot of Mexican food. Every trip, we buy peppers, onions, avocados, black beans, and tortillas in bulk. The fridge keeps these guys cozy and fresh.
So when it comes dinnertime and I ask Kev if he wants Mexican food or Mexican food, he usually says Mexican food. And as soon as the temps heat up outside, this salad becomes a staple once again.
It wasn’t until a couple weeks ago that I started adding the Cilantro Lime Dressing, which was birthed out of the need for a side salad to go with all of our Tex-Mex meals. (In the past, salsa stood in as the dressing.) I hesitated posting this recipe with the recent news of the lime shortage + inflation. It only requires 2 limes, but if you’re in need of a substitution, try these.
This salad is fresh, zesty, and filling. Charred peppers and onions, guacamole, toasted tortilla strips—you might want seconds, which is OK because it’s a salad. I really think you should add it to your Cinco de Mayo line-up. If you need other ideas, I have a couple too.
This salad is fresh, zesty, and filling. Charred peppers and onions, guacamole, toasted tortilla strips—you might want seconds, which is OK because it’s a salad.
Make dressing. In a blender or food processor, add ingredients and blend until incorporated, about 30 seconds. Store covered in fridge. Can be made ahead of time.
Make salad. In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in peppers and onions and saute for about 5 minutes or until lightly charred. Salt to taste. Remove from heat.
In the same skillet, toast tortillas until browned on both sides.
Add lettuce to plates. Top with peppers and onions, tortilla strips, black beans, guacamole, and cheese.
Top with dressing and serve.
Notes
• Need to get the most juice out of your limes, try this tip.
• If you’re short on time, skip the prepared guac and do sliced avocado instead. Crush tortilla or pita chips instead of toasting corn tortillas.
• Our favorite corn tortillas are from Trader Joe’s. They are a mix of corn and wheat.
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The salad looks just perfect for a warm summer night! I can picture myself having a glass of white wine with it. 🙂
I’m really bad when it comes to grocery shopping. I just buy what I need tonight when driving home… More expensive and stupid, but no other way really works for me…
I am SO impressed by your grocery shopping prowess! I really love going so I go once a week, and only with a shopping list. Without one I feel so very lost. Also, my fridge turns everything to mold so saving anything for much longer than a week is pretty hard.
this salad is such a beauty! Tex-Mex flavors always sound so good to me!
I love good Mexican food! This salad looks delicious, I’m a huge fan of cilantro (we call it coriander here in Australia). Please keep the Mexican dishes coming!
I find it really tricky to grocery shop in advance – my herbs and vegetables (especially green veg) just don’t seem to make the distance and keep fresh. I guess I need to start that vegetable garden I’ve been meaning to!
I am way too unorganized, and end up at the grocery store at least 2 times per week! I wish I could do every 3-4 weeks, but I can barely plan the day ahead me. I don’t mind going grocery shopping unless it’s packed and I run into a bunch of people, otherwise I throw a baseball cap on and try to get out as quick as possible!
1. this is beautiful. so freaking beautiful. and i just bought way too many greens than i know (knew) what to do with.
2. i almost just choked on my coffee when i read that you don’t like grocery shopping?! holy poopcakes, i could do it all day long. especially at trader joe’s. how about i’ll come over and do all of your shopping for you!
Every once and a while I get an irresistible craving for Mexican food (which can be tough to satisfy since we moved to Ireland). This salad may become a regular at our house now.
Wowow! I am impressed with the 3-4wk shopping skills. I am also a terrible food/recipe planner and definitely do not meal plan. Favorite line – “So when it comes dinnertime and I ask Kev if he wants Mexican food or Mexican food, he usually says Mexican food.” bahaha – We eat a lot of Tex-Mex as well. 🙂
Great flavors! Mexican food is my favorite food too.
This is everything I want in a salad and so much more. Texture! Flavour! Avocado! Must make immediately!
The salad looks just perfect for a warm summer night! I can picture myself having a glass of white wine with it. 🙂
I’m really bad when it comes to grocery shopping. I just buy what I need tonight when driving home… More expensive and stupid, but no other way really works for me…
I am SO impressed by your grocery shopping prowess! I really love going so I go once a week, and only with a shopping list. Without one I feel so very lost. Also, my fridge turns everything to mold so saving anything for much longer than a week is pretty hard.
this salad is such a beauty! Tex-Mex flavors always sound so good to me!
This looks so beautiful and fresh! Perfect for spring! I may just have to add it to this week’s menu!
I love good Mexican food! This salad looks delicious, I’m a huge fan of cilantro (we call it coriander here in Australia). Please keep the Mexican dishes coming!
I find it really tricky to grocery shop in advance – my herbs and vegetables (especially green veg) just don’t seem to make the distance and keep fresh. I guess I need to start that vegetable garden I’ve been meaning to!
Diiiiiiiig dig dig dig.
I am way too unorganized, and end up at the grocery store at least 2 times per week! I wish I could do every 3-4 weeks, but I can barely plan the day ahead me. I don’t mind going grocery shopping unless it’s packed and I run into a bunch of people, otherwise I throw a baseball cap on and try to get out as quick as possible!
Agreed, Mexican all the way. Hit that with Summer’s corn and home run.
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
We made this last night and added sweet corn. Good call!
1. this is beautiful. so freaking beautiful. and i just bought way too many greens than i know (knew) what to do with.
2. i almost just choked on my coffee when i read that you don’t like grocery shopping?! holy poopcakes, i could do it all day long. especially at trader joe’s. how about i’ll come over and do all of your shopping for you!
1. I’m honored you think so. I’m 100% in love with your style.
2. Yes please! I’ll wash your dishes in return.
Every once and a while I get an irresistible craving for Mexican food (which can be tough to satisfy since we moved to Ireland). This salad may become a regular at our house now.
Oh, I hope it fills the craving!
This looks super scrumptious! And I totally agree…favorite food of mine is definitely Mexican food 🙂
So sad about the lime shortage but this cilantro lime salad looks too good to pass up, I’m going to have to get me some limes 🙂
It’s the worst. I’m gonna have to figure out a new tangy margarita recipe sans lime for the summer.
Wowow! I am impressed with the 3-4wk shopping skills. I am also a terrible food/recipe planner and definitely do not meal plan. Favorite line – “So when it comes dinnertime and I ask Kev if he wants Mexican food or Mexican food, he usually says Mexican food.” bahaha – We eat a lot of Tex-Mex as well. 🙂
Tex-Mex for life! Also, I totally need to do a post about shopping. I realized after publishing that, I must sound crazy.