Ensalada de Colores

Casa Rio, The Riverwalk

Doug and I found a wonderful Mexican restaurant on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas.  I ordered this colorful, tasty salad for lunch and wanted to duplicate it.  I made this salad last night for supper.  It is snowing and 29 degrees in Iowa, so it is just not the same as sitting along the Riverwalk in San Antonio enjoying the bright, colorful, sunny Southwest on a 94 degree afternoon.   Much of the flavor of the food comes from the colorful culture of San Antonio.  I do have to return to the colors of Texas culture.

Ensalada de Colores

ENSALADA DE COLORES    Mixed Greens with Citrus Sections, Red Bell Pepper, Avocados, Red Onions and Our Lime Vinaigrette House Dressing

CasaRio River House Over the centuries, all who found their way to this area have been blessed by the river and the abundance of life that its water has provided. For the native American hunters and gatherers, the numerous deer, bear, mountain lions, alligators, raccoons, squirrels, cats, coyote and javelinas provided ample meat along with fish and water fowl. The Spaniards, exploring their way north out of Mexico through deserts and semi-arid South Texas, found the timber, fertile soil, and clear water well suited for their purposes of settlement and colonization. The river, first named St. Anthony de Padua, was soon diverted into channels and acequias for irrigation of fields and household use. The first bridge built to span the river was here at Commerce Street. The priests at the Alamo were afraid the easy access by the soldiers from the garrison would endanger the women of the mission. The bugle call of "El Deguello", from Santa Anna's army came from these banks. It signaled, no quarters, utter destruction, and no mercy for the defenders of the Alamo. As the mission period gave way to a more established society, the river was used for numerous bath houses natatoriums, breweries, and mills. San Antonio began a romance with the river with festivals, fairs, parties and picnics on the banks. The restaurant founded in 1946 by Alfred F. Beyer, sits on land first granted title in 1777 by the King of Spain. The Spanish Colonial period hacienda became the core of the new business. The cedar door and window lintels, the fireplace, and thick rock walls, are still evident inside the building. Casa Rio was the first San Antonio business to open its doors to the River and take advantage of the River's setting. Canoes, gondolas, and paddle boats, evolving into tour and dinner boats, began here and helped create the Riverwalk of today. (from the Casa Rio web page on line) Ingredients: Mixed lettuce greens Grapefruit sections Orange sections Red onion Red bell pepper Green bell pepper Avocado Lime vinaigrette Lime Vinaigrette Dressing: 1 cup cilantro 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup lime juice 1/4 cup orange juice 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. black pepper 1 tsp. minced garlic Puree all together until well blended. (from EatingWell.com) Printable version of recipe: Ensalada de Colores Gather the ingredients. Layer mixed greens into salad bowl. Chop red & green bell peppers. Add to bowl. Chop red onion. Section orange. Section grapefruit. Slice avocado. Layer all vegetables in salad bowl. Lime Vinaigrette Measure 1 cup of cilantro. Add 1/2 cup olive oil to blender. Add washed cilantro. Measure 1/4 cup orange juice. Squeeze 1 fresh lime, enough to make about 1/4 to 1/2 cup juice. Mince fresh garlic to taste, 1 tsp. Measure 1/2 tsp. sea salt. Grind fresh pepper, about 1/2 tsp. to taste. Puree in blender. Dress salad with Lime Vinaigrette. Enjoy! The Riverwalk in San Antonio Going down to the Riverwalk. This is a refreshing salad whether you are in Iowa or  San Antonio!