Recipe: Tomato and Onion Salad with Spicy Chipotle French Dressing

Tomato and Onion Salad with Spicy Chipotle French Dressing
From: The Plain Dealer
Makes: 8 (1-cup) servings

1 large sweet white onion, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla Sweet
2 tablespoons white vinegar
4 cups cold water
1 tablespoon sugar
4 large vine-ripe beefsteak tomatoes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Chipotle French Dressing (see accompanying recipe)

Chipotle French Dressing
1 1/2 teaspoons pureed chipotle chile in adobo sauce
2 tablespoons diced onion
1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon paprika
2/3 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup tomato-based chili sauce, such as Heinz Chili Sauce
1/2 cup salad oil
2 tablespoons olive oil

Slice onion into 1/4-inch-thick slices. In glass or stainless bowl, combine vinegar, water, and sugar. Toss in sliced onion. Make sure onion is covered in mixture. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.

When ready to serve, drain onions well. Slice tomatoes 1/2 inch thick and arrange on platter with onions. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve Chipotle French Dressing on the side.

Chipotle French Dressing

To make pureed chipotle chile, pour 1 (7-ounce) can of chipotle chiles in adobo sauce (found in the Mexican foods sections of well-stocked grocers) in blender and puree until smooth. Set aside 1 1/2 teaspoons puree for this recipe. Freeze any remaining puree for another use, such as spicing up ketchup or barbecue sauce.

In blender or food processor, process chipotle chile, onion, garlic, mustard, sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, vinegar, chili sauce, and oils until smooth and emulsified. Refrigerate until needed. Dressing will keep 2 weeks, refrigerated.