fresh fiesta summer salad

i've taken a version of this salad to three different gatherings this summer and i'm still not tired of it. the smooth avocado slices and juicy plump grape tomatoes are a party in my mouth. the bacon is a savory surprise; not to mention the kick of citrus in the fresh cilantro dressing. the best part is how flexible this salad is. toss in anything that is lurking in your produce bins. enjoy!

Fiesta Summer Salad
mixed crisp lettuce, torn (i love the oxo salad spinner)
squeeze fresh lime juice onto lettuce for extra citrus
one can of black beans, rinsed and drained
3 - 4 strips crispy bacon, crumbled
a handful of grape tomatoes
one ripe avocado, sliced
freshly ground black pepper to taste
cilantro, snipped for garnish

optional additions
red bell pepper, sliced
can of corn, drained
tiny can green chiles
tiny can sliced black olives, drained
frito chips for a perfect crunch
one can of pinto beans, rinsed and drained

Cilantro Lime Dressing a.k.a. Cafe Rio salad dressing
2 - 3 tomatillos, husked and quartered
1/2 cup light mayo
1 cup fresh cilantro
1 pkg. original Ranch dressing mix
1/2 cup buttermilk (i keep this powdered buttermilk on hand)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lime, juiced

Combine and mix dressing ingredients in blender. Refrigerate at least one hour before serving. This works as a delicious topping on tacos, pork fajitas or dip for veggies too.