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Colorado Martini
Creamy Cilantro Dressing: Refreshing Flavor for Salads
6 hours ago
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This is a creamy cilantro flavor that you will find unique and refreshing. The melody of cilantro, lime, and chilies adds a unique flavor to any salad. Recipe below.
Cilantro Dressing piled onto a saladPhoto byDa Vanci App / Colorado Martini
I first had this cilantro-type dressing at California-based restaurants El Torito and El Pollo Loco. They quickly became my favorite salads. At El Pollo Loco, the dressing is on their chopped salads. At El Torito, the dressing is served on their Grilled Chicken Mexico Caeser.
It was a must to learn how to make the dressing at home. Unfortunately, both restaurants use mayonnaise and lots of oil. However many cream dressings are not low-calorie and use the same high-fat ingredients. I also love to drizzle this dressing over my tacos, taco salads, or chicken. It adds a great creamy and zesty flavor.
You do not need to roast and peel the chilies. Because the chiles are being mixed into the dressing with a blender. If you prefer a hotter dressing, add more chiles. Remember that chiles can vary in size and heat.
To help with the calorie level, I have a few suggestions for replacements for the mayonnaise. Such as Vegenaise or yogurt. Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor. According to the El Pollo Loco Nutrition Guide, a 3-ounce serving of their “Creamy Cilantro Dressing” is 320 calories, 36 grams of total fat, and 2 grams of carbohydrates. You might be able to cut that down with some of the substitutes in the recipe below.
Do you have some suggestions on how to make this lower calorie/fat? Let us know in the comments.
The recipe calls for pepitas. A pepita is a pumpkin seed that has the outer rigid husk removed. Revealing a light green softer interior (see picture above). Pumpkin seeds are a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine. They are often roasted and served as a snack. They are considered high in nutrition and have been in American markets for years. But if you have trouble finding them, you can easily order them online.
According to Medical News Today, pepitas are rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and minerals. Possible benefits are boosting bone health, sexual well-being, and the immune system.
What is Cotija Cheese?
Cotija cheese is a hard, crumbly, aged cheese from Mexico. The cheese is made from cow's milk and named after the town of Cotija in Michoacán, Mexico. The cheese is very similar to Parmesan cheese but has a unique flavor.
Cotija cheese does not melt, so it's often sprinkled on top of dishes to enhance their flavor. You will often see it sprinkled on the Mexican dishes ordered in restaurants. Especially tacos and soups. If you cannot find it in your market, it can easily be ordered online.
Cilantro Dressing
1 medium Anaheim or Jalapeño chilies, seeded
1/3 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
2 garlic cloves, peeled
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon oil
4-5 tablespoons grated Cotija cheese
1 cup fresh cilantro, stemmed and chopped
1 cups mayonnaise (healthier options: Vegenaise or yogurt)
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons lime juice (to taste)
¼ cup water
Place lime juice, chilies, seeds, garlic, seasonings, and oil into a blender or food processor. Blend for about 10 seconds. Add a little water if thick. Make sure to have the lid on the blender, so as not to irritate your eyes with the chile mist produced.
Add a little cilantro at a time to the blended dressing. Continue to blend until smooth.
In a bowl whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and water. Whisk until smooth. Pour into blend. This step will make it easier to add mayonnaise to the blender.
Blend until smooth. add the cheese a little at a time until you reach your desired thickness. Save some cheese to sprinkle over the salad.
Place into a container and refrigerate. Allow dressing to cool in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Sever over salad. Sprinkle salad with pepitas and Cotija cheese. Great with Mexican-style salad that might contain sliced avocado, tortilla strips
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