Santa Fe Salad I

Santa Fe Salad I Recipe - Vegetarian Salad from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Santa Fe Salad is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines rice, black beans, and peppers with a zesty dressing. This salad is perfect for a light and refreshing meal, and can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish.

History

The Santa Fe Salad is inspired by the flavors of the American Southwest, particularly the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico. This salad typically features ingredients commonly found in Southwestern cuisine, such as rice, beans, and peppers.

Ingredients

4 cups cooked rice
2 cups cooked black beans
1 cup diced red pepper
2 Serrano or jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
0.25 cup olive oil
2 tbsp wine vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
sour cream

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine rice, beans, red pepper, and Serrano peppers.
In a separate bowl, combine oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the rice mixture and toss well.
Serve the dish topped with a dollop of sour cream.

Variations

Add corn, avocado, or grilled chicken for additional flavor and protein.
Substitute quinoa for rice for a gluten-free option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice and beans according to package instructions to ensure they are tender and flavorful.

- For a spicier salad, leave the seeds in the Serrano or jalapeno peppers.

- You can customize this salad by adding additional ingredients such as corn, avocado, or grilled chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Santa Fe Salad can be served as a main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires basic cooking techniques such as boiling rice and beans, chopping vegetables, and mixing ingredients together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use kidney beans or pinto beans instead of black beans.

- Substitute white vinegar for wine vinegar if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the salad in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the sour cream just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Santa Fe Salad in a large bowl or on individual plates, topped with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy finish.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Santa Fe Salad contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

The Santa Fe Salad is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the rice and beans providing a good source of complex carbohydrates.

Fats

The olive oil in this recipe provides healthy fats that are essential for overall health and well-being.

Proteins

Black beans are a great source of plant-based protein, making this salad a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the red peppers and jalapenos.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check for any specific allergies or dietary restrictions.

Summary

Overall, Santa Fe Salad is a nutritious and well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Santa Fe Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. Enjoy this Southwestern-inspired salad as a light and refreshing meal option.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Santa Fe Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy adobe home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Maria was a wonderful cook and loved to share her recipes with me.

As we sat in her colorful kitchen, Maria pulled out a worn, stained recipe card and handed it to me with a smile. "This is my famous Santa Fe Salad recipe," she said. "I think you'll love it."

I eagerly read through the ingredients and instructions, my mouth watering at the thought of the flavorful combination of black beans, corn, avocado, and cilantro. I had never tasted anything quite like it before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it for myself.

Maria patiently walked me through each step of the recipe, explaining the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and taking my time to let the flavors meld together. As we chopped, stirred, and seasoned, she shared stories of her own grandmother teaching her how to cook traditional New Mexican dishes.

I watched in awe as Maria effortlessly transformed simple ingredients into a vibrant, delicious salad that was bursting with color and flavor. The aroma of roasted peppers and tangy lime juice filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

After we finished preparing the salad, Maria and I sat down at her sun-drenched patio table to enjoy our creation. With each bite, I could taste the love and care that had gone into making it. The crunch of the fresh vegetables, the creaminess of the avocado, and the kick of the jalapeno all worked together in perfect harmony.

As I savored that first bite of Santa Fe Salad, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished favorite in my own kitchen. I thanked Maria for sharing her culinary wisdom with me and promised to pass on the recipe to future generations.

Over the years, I have made Santa Fe Salad for countless family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. Each time, it has received rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I always smile as I hand out copies of the stained, well-loved recipe card that Maria gave to me all those years ago.

I have added my own personal touches to the recipe, tweaking the seasonings and experimenting with different ingredients to create new variations. But no matter how many times I make it, Santa Fe Salad always brings me back to that sunny day in Maria's kitchen, surrounded by love, laughter, and delicious food.

As I sit here now, writing down the story of how I learned to make Santa Fe Salad, I am filled with gratitude for the memories and experiences that have shaped me into the cook I am today. I hope that this recipe will continue to bring joy and nourishment to all who taste it, just as it has for me.

And so, I pass on this recipe with love and a sense of wonder, knowing that it will become a beloved tradition in the kitchens of those who come after me. May the flavors of Santa Fe Salad always remind you of the power of good food and good company, and may it bring you as much joy as it has brought me.