Tropical's House Salad Recipe
Artisan Lettuce, Mango, Tomato, Sweet Corn, Cheddar, and Scallions. Tossed in a Cilantro Ranch dressing
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Ingredients
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Salad
Cilantro Ranch Dressing
Method
Cilantro Ranch Dressing
- 1
Prepare dressing
In a blender or food processor combine mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), cilantro leaves, parsley (if using), chives (or scallion greens), minced garlic, lime juice, honey, apple cider vinegar, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and bright green, about 20–30 seconds. Scrape down sides once and blend again.
- 2
Check consistency and seasoning. If the dressing is too thick, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches pourable but creamy consistency (about 1 tablespoon). Taste and adjust salt, lime, or honey to balance acidity and sweetness.
- 3
Salad Assembly
- 4
Prepare salad components
Wash and thoroughly dry the artisan lettuce mix. Place lettuce in a large salad bowl or divide among individual serving bowls (approximately 1 to 1.25 cups of greens per serving).
- 5
If using fresh corn: grill or sauté 2 ears of corn (or 1 cup kernels) with a touch of oil until lightly charred, then cut kernels off the cob and let cool. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry. Measure 3 tablespoons for the salad.
- 6
Peel and dice the mango into approximately 1/2-inch cubes to yield 1 cup. Dice the tomato (seed if desired) into similar-sized pieces to yield 1 cup. Thinly slice the scallions on a severe bias for visual appeal and measure 3 whole scallions' worth.
- 7
Shred the cheddar cheese (or use pre-shredded) and lightly toast pepitas or nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, about 2–3 minutes, until fragrant (optional). Let cool.
- 8
Toss and serve
Add the diced mango, diced tomato, sweet corn, shredded cheddar, and sliced scallions to the bowl with the greens. Drizzle the cilantro ranch dressing over the salad — about 3–4 tablespoons dressing per 2 cups of salad (adjust to preference). Gently toss with salad tongs until everything is evenly coated. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
- 9
Finish by sprinkling the toasted pepitas or nuts (if using) for crunch. Serve immediately.