my mama's mexican salad

my mom has probably been making this salad for over 40 years.

kind of like her enchiladas that i wrote about a while back,

this is also another taste of my childhood that brings back memories.

i can see and smell and feel my childhood home when i eat this.

you can call it frito salad or mexican salad.

i love it so much, i've made it twice this week.

it's definitely one you'll love, i promise.

2 heads of baby romaine (or one head of iceberg), chopped up

a small red onion, diced

a handful of grape tomatoes, cut in half

2 cans of ranch style beans, drained and rinsed clean

shredded cheddar cheese

about half a bag of fritos

roughly half a bottle of catalina salad dressing

 (obviously my measurements are all estimates...that's why i love to cook, and not bake).

mix everything together in a large bowl, 

coating everything well with the dressing.
something magic happens in that bowl.

serve right away or within a few minutes. 

i actually like to wait a few minutes to eat it. 

this will serve 3-4 people, good sized portions.

a few tips:
don't skimp on the dressing, you want a nice orange coating on everything.
don't mess around with the fat free junk, use the real deal.
if taking this to a get together, you can mix the first 5 things at home,
then add the fritos and dressing right before serving. 

i asked my mom where the recipe came from,
and she couldn't remember.
i am guessing she got it from someone at church.
all i know is that i got it from my mama.

enjoy.

love,

nicolle