The Gourmet Mama

Here in Guatemala, it can be difficult to find the salad dressings that you’re used to. Not to mention, when I started trying to watch my weight, I realized that most salad dressings are horribly packed with fat and calories.

It took some experimenting, but eventually I came up with this summer salad that is super healthy, yet tastes amazing . . . without adding anything unhealthy or even calorific!

Part of the idea came from the fact that Guatemalans (latinos in general, I believe) put salt and lime juice on their salads. While that might sound odd, it can actually be quite tasty. Even my oldest son who usually detests salads, will eat this one . . . though his little brother is still firmly anti-lettuce.

No-Dressing Summer Salad

Makes about 3 cups

1/2 small head of lettuce, cut into 1/2″ strips
3-4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1 onion (optional), sliced
1 red pepper, chopped
1/2 c. celery, chopped

juice of one lime
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4-1/2 tsp. garlic powder

In a bowl, toss salad ingredients. You can mix the non-dressing separately if you like, but I usually just sprinkle the ingredients over the whole salad and toss to mix. Add more of anything that you like to taste.

Serve cold. This salad should stand up to a day in the fridge without wilting away.