cinco de mayo

there is something about coke that is hecho en mexico that just makes me happy...

we had a family cinco de mayo dinner (or is it cinco de quattro?) and i thought i would use today to share with you one of my personal favorite salads.  my sister mary made beans and rice and i made enchiladas and this salad...

i usually use romaine (this time, fresh picked from our garden), but i am sure any lettuce would be fabulous.  i add tomatoes, queso fresco, avocado, red onion, chopped cilantro and crushed tortilla chips.  it is also good with bell peppers and if you want to make it a meal, it is delicious with chicken.  also, maybe corn or black beans?  haven't tried those, but i am sure it would be tasty.  now for what makes this my favorite salad... the dressing.  it is a chili-lime vinaigrette.  here is the recipe:

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon honey

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon crushed red chilies

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon minced garlic

4 tablespoons canola oil

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro 

salt to taste

mix well.  or toss in one of these fabulous salad dressing shakers with this very recipe listed right on the side.  i am not big on excessive kitchen gadgets, but i do love this one.  sorry if it looks a bit greasy, but i took the picture after it was used...