As Rick and I have inched closer and closer to our wedding, I’ve really found a reawakened love for cooking. I’ve been enjoying testing out different appetizers and entree recipes as well as whipping up things off the top of my head. I’m lucky to be marrying a guy that eats pretty much everything I put out in front of him!
Just in time for New Years, I’m sharing my take on a Southwestern flare appetizer salad paired with .
Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of traditional appetizer salads like a wedge or mixed greens with almonds and some type of dried fruit. However, growing up in Arizona I had my fair share of Southwestern inspired entrees, and found inspiration this year to create a super simple starter salad for our New Year’s Eve dinner.
I came across a wheel of in the cheese section at my local Kroger. A Houston-born and raised brand, La Vaquita combines the perfect amount of mildness, while elevating my regular salad to something so much more tasty for a meal with family or friends.
What I’ve always loved about a Southwestern salad is the cheese crumbles on top; has just the right amount of crumble, with an authenticity that can’t be beat.
You know you’ve made something right, when the fiancé comes home and doesn’t even wait until dinner to dig into the salad. He and I both love the mix of the crunchy lettuce and tortilla strips paired with the crumbled queso fresco.
Do you have any recipe ideas that might pair well with La Vaquita Queso Fresco? If you’re in Texas, find La Vaquita Quesos and Cremas at any Fiesta, H-E-B, Kroger or Walmart. Or if you need a little inspiration click here to find some recipes that will definitely please in 2017.
Southwestern appetizer Salad:
- 1 package of lettuce
- 1 carrot, peeled and sliced thinly
- Radishes, sliced thin with a mandolin
- Cherry tomatoes, washed and sliced in half
- Tortilla strips, can find in your grocery store near the nuts and dried fruit (at my Kroger, they’re by the salad dressing!)
- 1 wheel of , crumbled
- Salad dressing
In a bowl, combine lettuce and all vegetables, toss. Top with tortilla strips. Crumble enough La Vaquita Queso Fresco to top the salad generously. Serve onto individual plates and dress accordingly. Enjoy!
This post is brought to you in partnership with . All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that help make Girl Wonder Life possible.
Anna says
Ooh yum! This looks so good! Plus you you could even spice it up with jalepenos!
-Anna | http://www.fivefootandfabulous.com
Elly Leavitt says
omg this looks soooo good you forget it’s a salad! thanks for the healthy eating inspo, just in time for New Years 😉
Nelle says
Wow, that looks delicious!
Rachel says
This looks like the perfect, simple Summer salad! I’ll definitely have to make it soon!
Greta says
This salad looks amazing. I know what I’m making for dinner!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
Rachel Ritlop says
Ohhhh yesss! this looks so delicious! Can’t wait to try it!
Annaliese says
What a great recipe for eating healthy but still having a tasty option!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
Sydney says
I just love salads and finding new recipes to make them tasty!
Silvia says
Omg this looks delicious! I love cheese and fresh cheese sounds amazing! Perfect for salads like the one you’ve made!
Hannah says
wow my mouth was drooling reading this! That sounds sooooo delicious:) Hope you have a wonderful year!
xoxo, Hannah
Kirsten says
Love southwestern salads! I must say, I am not a fan of Queso Fresco. I’ve given it a good go a few times, thinking maybe my palette has changed over the years, but nope, still not a fan. My dad’s not either funny enough, but maybe it would be good on a salad! I haven’t tried it on a salad before!
Alex Carreno says
I totally understand your point Kirsten! I wasn’t a super big fan either, but I’ve found if you pair it with something that has a bold taste like balsamic dressing or chili that it helps to pick up a little of the taste!