Taco Salad with Creamy Cilantro Dressing

Ingredients:

For the Dressing: 

1 cup loosely packed cilantro, washed, stems removed, and roughly chopped
1/2 cup sour cream
2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1/2 lime)
1 clove garlic
1/2 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons sherry vinegar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
A few grinds of freshly ground black pepper

Water, to thin

For the Salad:

2 1/4  cups shredded romaine lettuce
1/3 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1/2 cup cooked and cooled quinoa, optional
1/2 cup black, kidney, or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup shredded cheddar or pepper Jack cheese
1/2 large avacado, diced
3 Tablespoons finely chopped green onions (from about 2 onions) light green and white parts only
1/2 cup crumbled tortilla chips

3 cups sliced black olives

 

Directions:

  1. To make the dressing, purée all ingredients in a blender or food processor until well-combined and smooth. If the dressing seems thick, drizzle in water a tablespoon or two at a time with the blender running until thinned to the point where you like it. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if necessary.
  2. To assemble salad, combine all the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Pour desired amount of dressing over the salad and toss well. Serve immediately.

Serves: 2

Image Courtesy of thekitchn.com
Image Courtesy of thekitchn.com