Tomato Salad with Guajillo Chile Dressing

This vibrant salad inspired by the colors of the Mexican flag features a tantalizing blend of garlic, guajillo pepper, cilantro, and onion atop a bed of tomatoes.

Tomato Salad with Queso Fresco, Pan-Roasted Green Onions, and Guajillo Chile Dressing
Photo: Carson Downing
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
4

Ingredients

  • cup olive oil

  • 1 medium dried guajillo or New Mexico chile peppers, stems and seeds removed*

  • 1 cloves garlic, quartered

  • 2 tablespoon sherry vinegar or white wine vinegar

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 8 green onions, trimmed

  • 4 large ripe tomatoes, cored and cut into 1/4-inch slices

  • Sea salt

  • ½ cup crumbled queso fresco (2 oz.)

  • ½ cup snipped fresh cilantro

Directions

  1. For dressing, in an 8-inch skillet heat oil over medium. Add chile pepper and garlic; cook and stir 30 seconds. Remove skillet from heat. Transfer pepper to a blender, reserving oil and garlic in skillet to cool 5 to 10 minutes.

  2. Add vinegar and 1/4 tsp. salt to blender. Cover and blend 30 seconds. Add oil to blender (set skillet aside without washing). Cover and blend 1 to 2 minutes more or until nearly smooth. Transfer dressing to a screw-top jar; seal lid.

  3. Return same skillet to medium heat, adding additional oil if needed. Lay green onions in skillet. Cook 4 minutes or until onions are wilted and browned in spots, turning frequently. If desired, cut into 1/4-inch slices.

  4. To serve, place tomato slices on a platter. Sprinkle tomatoes with sea salt and top with green onions. Shake dressing; drizzle some of the dressing over tomatoes. (Store remaining dressing in refrigerator). Sprinkle salad with cheese and cilantro.

*Tip

Chile peppers contain oils that can irritate your skin and eyes. Wear plastic or rubber gloves when working with them.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

257 Calories
22g Fat
12g Carbs
5g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 257
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 10mg 3%
Sodium 407mg 18%
Total Carbohydrate 12g 4%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 5g
Vitamin C 35.2mg 176%
Calcium 128mg 10%
Iron 1.5mg 8%
Potassium 552mg 12%
Folate, total 49.1mcg
Vitamin B-12 0.2mcg
Vitamin B-6 0.2mg

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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