Recipe: Anita's Fabulous Southwestern Garden Salad (similar to Chili's Quesidilla Explo)

Anita's Fabulous Southwestern Garden Salad
Source: Big Oven
4 Servings

I came up with this recipe after eating at Chile's Restaurant and ordering their Quesadilla Explosion Salad. We absolutely fell in love with it. This salad is my version of Chile's Salad -- my family tells me that it's actually better, although I'm not sure that's true, I do believe it's just as good.

I believe the salad dressing is one of the main ingredients that makes this salad special.

I buy Ken's Lite Steakhouse Salad dressing (Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette) at Wal-Mart and I also buy the AvoClassic Guacamole at Wal-Mart too. You can find it in the produce section, usually next to bagged salad greens and fresh packages of herbs.

1 large bag salad greens or red tipped lettuce;
8 cups mixed lettuce salt and pepper
2 Tablespoons minced fresh cilantro leaves
2 cups cooked diced chicken; (optional)
3 large tomatoes diced

--DRESSING--
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
1 cup raspberry walnut vinaigrette dressing; Ken's Steakhouse Lite
1 can (15 oz) sweet yellow corn, drained
1/3 cup honey
1 cup tortilla chips crushed
1 package (8 oz) avo classic guacamole
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or colby cheese

Wash salad greens and place in a large bowl. Dice tomatoes and add to salad greens. Salt and pepper to taste.

Drain the black beans and corn. Add both to salad greens.
Add the shredded cheese. Mix well.

I make the salad both with or without the chicken. It's fabulous either
way.

Crush the tortilla chips and set aside. You add these to the salad
immediately before serving so that they stay crisp.

To make the dressing - get a small bowl and add the Raspberry Vinaigrette, honey and guacamole -- mix well and pour on the salad mixture when ready to serve.