Salad Days

Some years ago there was a wonderful restaurant spot off the beaten track, in Los Angeles, that was opened by the Lawry’s company called Lawry’s California Center.  In addition to the restaurant, one could buy all the Lawry’s products there and see the history of this well known food empire.  There was a lovely patio for dining and some very satisfying food that I enjoyed with my family from time to time.  In particular there was a most delicious salad that was served with a cilantro dressing.When the Center closed I inquired about the dressing in the hopes that they would be bottling and selling it in stores but it was not to be found.  So I set out to recreate it.  After a couple tries, we enjoyed a salad that reminded us all of the salad we had eaten with such pleasure at the Lawry’s California Center.  In fact it has become my family’s favorite salad because we love this dressing.  It is smooth and creamy with a tang from the lime juice, a little punch from the garlic and the cool freshness that comes from the taste of cilantro.

Over the years I’ve made and served this dressing on salad for just about everyone I know and it is always a hit…a favorite of all who have it.  It is great as a side salad with chili or enchiladas or grilled meats.  Or you can serve it as an entree and add roasted chicken cut up or sauted shrimp.  You can also add tomatoes if you choose, and cotija cheese which is a salty, crumbly cheese somewhat like a Mexican version of parmesan cheese.

Whether or not you decide to add any of these optional items to the salad, do try it.  It just might end up to be one of your family’s favorites too 🙂

Salad with Cilantro Dressing

1 large head of romaine lettuce
1 can black olives
1 or 2 avocados cut in chunks
1/2  red onion sliced
Crushed tortilla chips
optional – chicken, shrimp, tomatoes, cotija cheese

Chop the lettuce and add to it the olives,the avocado, and the onion sliced.  Add dressing and toss lightly.  Crush a couple of handfuls of tortillas chips and add to salad.  Toss again to thoroughly mix in tortilla chips.  Serve immediately.

Creamy Cilantro Salad Dressing

1 cup Best Foods/ Hellman’s mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream*
2 cloves garlic
Juice of 3 limes
1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
1 large bunch fresh cilantro

Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. * If you are allergic to dairy, you can substitute 1-2 avocados in place of the sour cream.