I recently went for lunch at the Cheesecake Factory where I had a delicious salad and the dressing was amazing. I tried to purchase the dressing, but wanted to make sure there was no harmful ingredients in the dressing. I asked for an ingredient list but they could not provide it. So, I decided not to take the chance that there was sugar or artificial sweeteners in it and go home and make my own. This is what I came up with – it’s yummy and healthy! Loaded with great amounts of fiber and protein. This recipe makes enough dressing for numerous salads, so assemble how many salads you need and refrigerate remaining dressing in a sealed container and it will keep for up to a week.

Peanut Cilantro Southwestern Salad

Mixed salad greens
Chicken breast, cooked and shredded
Corn kernels
Rinsed black beans, drained and rinsed
chopped red and green bell peppers
chopped tomato
shredded Pepperjack cheese

Peanut Cilantro Dressing

3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
2 bunches cilantro leaves, finely chopped
1/2 C. fresh lime juice
1 1/2 tsp. wine vinegar
1/2 tsp.  ground cumin
3/4 tsp.  salt
1/2 tsp.  freshly ground pepper
1 Tbsp. raw honey
1 Tbsp. creamy organic peanut butter
1/2 C. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 C. extra virgin olive oil (or MCT oil)

In a magic bullet or food processor, finely mince garlic cloves and ginger. Add cilantro leaves and process until finely chopped. Add remaining ingredients and blend until well mixed. Mix salad ingredients together with cilantro dressing and serve immediately.

 

1 Comment

  1. Wendy on April 24, 2014 at 2:34 am

    Love this!! We tried it tonight and my husband said he could eat this every night for the rest of his life!