Mexican Salad - Like El Toritos

To make this I simply use Romaine hearts -- cut up, tomato pieces, crumble some cojita cheese, sprinkle on roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds - the insides) and then the dressing.

I got this recipe from cd kitchen, it is the copy kat dressing for ElToritos Mexican Salad Dressing.

The link SHOULD have it scaled to 2 (TWO). This will make enough salad dressing for 2 for a WEEK!!!!

It makes a very good amount of dressing - I usually give some to my mom or Angela and still have enough for me and the girls for a week!

Instead of the fresh anaheim chili's I use the diced green chili's in a can -- about 3/4 of a small can or 1/2 a large can. -- you can add more if needed and blend again.

When I make it, it always seems to need more water than what is called for (it is just way to thick) and it thickens later - so I generally have to mix it with a little more water each time I want to use it.

We use this as a salad dressing and also as a dip for carrots, cucumbers etc. I love cilantro so this dressing is right up my alley!

Let me know if you try it and like it.

***Cilantro Pepita Dressing:***
1 medium Anaheim chiles, roasted, peeled and seeded
1/6 cup roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
1 garlic cloves, peeled
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 ounces salad oil
1/8 cup red wine vinegar
2 1/2 tablespoons grated Cotija cheese (see note)
1 small bunches cilantro, stemmed
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/8 cup water
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Directions:

Place all dressing ingredients except cilantro, mayonnaise and water in a blender of food processor. Blend approximately 10 seconds, and then add cilantro little by little until blended smooth. Depending on size of blender, it may be necessary to do in batches.
Place mayonnaise and water in a large stainless steel bowl, and mix with a wire whip until smooth. Add the blended ingredients to the mayonnaise mixture, and mix thoroughly. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate. Will keep for three days. Yields 1 quart.

Note: Cotija cheese is a hard cheese, similar to Parmesan. It is available at some grocery stores and most Mexican markets.