Painted Desert Roasted Pepper Salad

Painted Desert Roasted Pepper Salad Recipe from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Painted Desert Roasted Pepper Salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. The combination of roasted peppers, tangy dressing, and crumbled cheese creates a delicious and visually appealing salad that is sure to impress your guests.

History

The Painted Desert Roasted Pepper Salad is inspired by the vibrant colors and flavors of the American Southwest. The combination of roasted peppers and tangy dressing is a classic flavor profile that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

Dressing

0.5 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
0.25 cup of vegetable oil
2 cloves of garlic
1 tbsp of chopped onion
0.25 cup of cider vinegar
0.5 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of granulated sugar
0.13 tsp of dried Mexican oregano
Freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

Vegetables

A combination of 4 mild green chiles, poblano, New Mexico and Anaheim, all roasted
1 roasted red bell pepper
1 roasted green bell pepper
1 roasted yellow bell pepper
Crumbled cotija or aged monterey jack cheese, or grated monterey jack cheese
romaine or other sturdy lettuce leaves for garnish (optional)

How to prepare

In a blender, purée the oils with garlic and onion.
Strain the mixture into a large jar with a lid.
Combine the strained mixture with the remaining dressing ingredients and shake well.
Refrigerate the dressing for 30 minutes.
Slice the chiles and bell peppers into ribbons about 0.5 inch thick.
Arrange the sliced chiles and bell peppers decoratively on a serving platter.
Pour the dressing over the chiles and scatter the cheese on top.
Garnish the dish with lettuce around the edge of the plate.

Variations

You can customize this salad by adding other roasted vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or cherry tomatoes.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to roast the peppers until they are charred on all sides to bring out their natural sweetness.

- Straining the dressing mixture will help create a smooth and creamy texture.

- Refrigerating the dressing before serving will allow the flavors to meld together for a more delicious salad.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a side dish or as a light main course. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the peppers brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor to the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any combination of roasted peppers that you prefer in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and roast the peppers ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sliced peppers in a colorful and decorative pattern on a serving platter for a visually appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Painted Desert Roasted Pepper Salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Painted Desert Roasted Pepper Salad contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Painted Desert Roasted Pepper Salad contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of this Painted Desert Roasted Pepper Salad contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and folate.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy in the form of crumbled cheese.

Summary

This Painted Desert Roasted Pepper Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Painted Desert Roasted Pepper Salad is a delicious and colorful dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. The combination of roasted peppers, tangy dressing, and crumbled cheese creates a flavorful salad that is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. I remember it like it was yesterday, even though it was over 30 years ago. It was during a trip to the Southwest, where I found myself mesmerized by the vibrant colors and flavors of the Painted Desert. The reds, oranges, and yellows of the landscape inspired me to create a dish that captured the essence of that beautiful place.

I had been wandering through a local market in Santa Fe when I stumbled upon a stand selling roasted peppers. The smell wafted through the air, enticing me to come closer. I watched as the vendor skillfully charred the peppers over an open flame, then peeled off the blackened skin to reveal the tender flesh underneath. The peppers were then sliced and arranged on a platter, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with fresh herbs.

I knew I had to recreate this dish at home. I asked the vendor for the recipe, but he shook his head and said it was a family secret. Undeterred, I bought a bag of peppers and headed back to my rented adobe casita to experiment.

I lit a fire in the outdoor grill and placed the peppers directly on the flames, turning them occasionally until they were blackened and blistered. The smell took me back to that market in Santa Fe, and I felt a sense of connection to the land and the people who lived there.

Once the peppers were cooked, I carefully peeled off the skin and sliced them into strips. I drizzled them with olive oil, sprinkled them with fresh herbs, and added a squeeze of lime juice for a touch of acidity. The colors of the peppers reminded me of the sunset over the Painted Desert, and I knew I had captured a little piece of that beauty in my dish.

I served the salad to my family that evening, and they were blown away by the flavors and the presentation. My husband declared it the best dish I had ever made, and my children begged me to make it again soon.

From that moment on, Painted Desert Roasted Pepper Salad became a staple in our household. I made it for every special occasion, from birthdays to holidays to dinner parties with friends. Each time I made it, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I had created something truly special.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of Painted Desert Roasted Pepper Salad to the next generation. I have made a few tweaks here and there, adding different herbs and spices to suit my mood or the occasion. But the basic recipe remains the same, a tribute to that magical moment in Santa Fe when I discovered the beauty of the Painted Desert through the simple act of roasting peppers.

As I sit here now, surrounded by my loved ones and the memories of a life well-lived, I am grateful for that chance encounter in the Southwest all those years ago. It set me on a path of culinary exploration and creativity that has brought me so much joy and fulfillment. And every time I make Painted Desert Roasted Pepper Salad, I am transported back to that moment of discovery, when the colors and flavors of the desert inspired me to create something truly special.