Mexican Salad with Beans and Roasted Corn, Lime Vinaigrette

This makes for a great light dinner.  I usually top this salad with some fresh corn tortilla strips that I fry crispy and salt to add some crunch.  You can also serve it with some warm tortillas and fresh salsa.  Add some grilled shrimp or Mahi-Mahi if you'd like.  Also lends nicely to some sliced steak, carnitas, or chicken.  Make a couple of margaritas and you have a fiesta!


Salad-
1 head Romaine, washed, dried, and chopped
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium white onion, sliced
1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 a 15 oz. can black beans, washed and drained
1/2 a 15 oz. can of pinto beans, washed and drained
3 plum tomatoes, diced
1/2 C. roasted corn (Trader Joe's has it frozen)
1/4 C. chicken stock
juice of 1 lime
1 tbsp. each- chile powder and oregano
1 tsp. each cumin and red pepper flakes
salt and pepper, to taste
2 green onions, sliced
1/2 c. shredded manchego cheese*

* A Spanish sheep's milk cheese. Manchego adds a nice salty, nutty flavor to dishes.  Substitute: Pecornio Roman

Lime Vinaigrette-
1 tbsp minced onion
1 tbsp. honey
1/4 c. lime juice
1 tbsp. white wine vinegar
1 tsp. dijon mustard
1/4 c. olive oil
1 tsp. lime zest
salt and pepper to taste


Make vinaigrette by combining all ingredients in a blender and mix until emulsified.  Correct seasoning with salt and pepper.  Reserve and let flavors develop.


Heat skillet over medium high heat and add vegetable oil.  Once hot add onions and bell peppers.  Cook for 4-5 minutes until soft.  Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.  Add chile powder, cumin, oregano, pepper flakes, and roasted corn.  Mix well cook another minute.  Add stock, tomatoes, and beans, mix and cook for a couple of minutes.  Add lime juice and correct seasoning with salt and pepper.   Remove from heat and reserve warm.


In a bowl lightly toss the chopped romaine in some of the lime vinaigrette.  Plate a serving of the dressed lettuce greens and top with warm vegetable and bean mixture.  Sprinkle some of the green onions and cheese on top, serve and enjoy!