cilantro Archives - Ari's Menu

You know that feeling when you’re super excited for a long weekend, but getting ready for it is so stressful that by the time you’re done getting ready for said long weekend, you feel like you need a second long weekend just to recover from it? Yeah…I’m there.

Tomorrow morning (at some hour that shouldn’t even be legal), Nicole and I fly to Minneapolis for the Healthy Living Summit. It seems like we’ve been anticipating this day foreeevvvverrrr, and I can’t believe it’s finally here! This week has been spent getting things taken care of at work, and putting the final touches on our presentation. I’m totally nervous, but mostly excited for the next 4 days!

So in my absence, I leave you this salad. I wasn’t sure if it was a salad or a salsa. I mean, it’s actually nothing like salsa, except it kind of reminds me of a salsa? Kinda like this one. Anyway, I first made this salad when I was staying with my friend Karisa this summer, and one bite in I knew I needed to make it again so I could share it with you guys. It is hands down one of my favorite things I’ve ever eaten. The sweetness from the sweet potatoes against the spicy jalapenos and creamy avocado…ugggghhh, it just all…fits. Like a glove.

This recipe is so simple, and aside from the time spent roasting the potatoes, it all comes together really quickly. Just a few fresh ingredients, and totally fool proof–the perfect side for some grilled chicken or steak for a nice, easy, and healthy weeknight dinner!

Sweet Potato Avocado Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: Approx 6 servings

Sweet Potato Avocado Salad

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into 1" pieces
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
Salt and pepper
2 large avocados, cut into 1" pieces
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
Handful fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
1 tsp honey or agave

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400. Line sweet potatoes out on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and season with a generous pinch each of salt and pepper. Roast until tender, but not mushy, about 40 minutes. Let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, add cooked sweet potato, remaining tablespoon olive oil, avocado, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice and honey/agave. Toss together lightly to coat. Serve immediately. May be served warm or cold. Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-5 days.

https://arismenu.com/sweet-potato-avocado-salad/

In the summertime, the only things I crave other than burgers (and grilled food in general) are big, delicious, cool and refreshing salads. I’m not talking the kind of “salad” that is some lettuce thrown on a plate and then drowned with ranch dressing. My salads need to be loaded with flavor, and they have to have a little something special to keep me interested.

I also always love a new way to eat one of my favorite foods. I fell head over heels for these black bean burgers at first bite, and since I almost never make the same meal twice, I wanted a new way to enjoy them. I have to say, I like them even better this way!

The bold, spicy burgers balance perfectly with the fresh, crisp lettuce and cucumber, and the sweet tomatoes, peppers, roasted corn and dried cranberries. And that tangy, creamy goat cheese on top? Flavor heaven. Not to mention the sweet and spicy cilantro lime vinaigrette. It is legit the best salad dressing I have ever tasted.

If you don’t do dairy, you could leave the goat cheese off and replace it with avocado. I mean, you should probably just add avocado anyway to all things, but especially if you leave the cheese off. This salad is perfect for summer (or any time), and I even continued to make it with my left over black bean burgers for the entire rest of the week! You can also easily double or triple it if you’re serving a bigger group!

Black Bean Burger Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Yield: 2 servings

Black Bean Burger Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

Ingredients

2 ears corn
1 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper
1 heart of romain, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 large cucumber, chopped
1/3 cup dried cranberries
2 black bean burgers*
3 oz goat cheese

For the Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette:

2 limes
1/4 cup olive oil
2/3 cup cilantro
1/2 jalapeno, seeds removed
1 clove garlic
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp water
1 tsp cumin
pinch salt

Instructions

Drizzle corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast at 400 until golden and tender, about an hour.
Prepare the dressing by adding the zest of 1 lime, and the juice of two with all remaining ingredients in your food processor and pulsing until combined and smooth, about 1 minute.
For the salad, gently toss together roasted corn, lettuce, tomato, bell pepper, cucumber, and cranberries. Transfer to serving dishes. Crumble 1 black bean burger and 1.5 oz goat cheese on top of each salad. Serve with prepared dressing.

Notes

*Store bought/frozen black bean burgers may be used. Cook per package instructions before adding to your salad.

**To keep vegan, avocado may be subbed for goat cheese and agave may be subbed for honey in the dressing.

https://arismenu.com/black-bean-burger-salad/