Description:

Don't let the mixed greens and ingredients intimidate you! SIMPLE salad, add Chicken or Beef for a Fabulous Main Dish!!

Source:

S. Chokel

Serves/Makes:8 or more

Ingredients

• 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, rinsed, patted dry and torn into bite size pieces
• 1/2 head romaine lettuce, rinsed, patted dry and torn into bite size pieces
• 1/2 head red leafed lettuce, rinsed, patted dry and torn into bite size pieces
• 1 to 2 handfuls fresh baby spinach, rinsed, patted dry and torn into bite size pieces
• 4 to 5 stems fresh ilantro, rinsed, patted dry and torn into bite size pieces
• 1/2 lb (.2 kg). white button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
• 1 medium green pepper, rinsed, and cut into julienne strips
• 1/2 English cucumber, rinsed, dried and cut into cubes
• 1 15 oz (420 grm). can pinto beans, drain the canned bean liqour and save
• 4 to 8 plum or Roma tomatoes, rinsed and cut into wedges
• 1 15 oz (420 grm). can black olives, drained and sliced
• 1 bunch green onions, rinsed, cleaned, and chopped
• 2 4 oz (112 grm). cans diced green chilies (If you have fresh roasted green chilies, they are the best to use)
• 1/2 lb (.2 kg). to 3/4 lb (.3 kg). mixed cheeses (sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• 1 bag of your favorite Corn (Tortilla) Chips (Nacho Flavored Doritos or Fritos are great to use too!)
• 1 bottle Catalina Dressing (Or your favorite vinegar and oil dressing mixed with your favorite salsa until you have the right flavor you want)
• Optional garnishes:
• sour cream
• guacamole
• pickled jalepeno peppers
• favorite thick salsa

Preparation

• Mix and toss together gently all the greens, mushrooms, green pepper, cucumber, beans, tomato, olives, onions and green chile in a large deep salad bowl--this can be lightly covered and left to chill in the fridge for up to a day before serving, but no more.
• Just before serving, add the mixed cheeses, tortilla chips (in bite sized or whole pieces to use as a dipper in the salad) and dressing.
• Easy and gently toss all together.
• Serve.

Comments

I have served this salad MANY times to rave reviews. I have served it to guests and they eat it all up! This is one of my husband's favorite meals all year 'round!

Note 1: Use strips of grilled lemon chicken breast or tender grilled lemon beef chunks (Sirloin is great to use) mixed in for a complete meal in a salad.

Note 2: For a really fun presentation, go to your local craft store and buy a Clean and New large Clay Pot. Carefully line the inside of the pot with aluminum foil (I use the heavy wide stuff). It makes a great serving bowl and really fun for outdoor picnics or get-togethers. Super simple clean up that way too!