Are you looking for a quick meal that will please the whole family and keep it light for summer?  Here’s a salad with some meat in it to make it a hearty meal that even my big guys like.  Just remember that if you are making  this recipe for man-sized appetites, you will need to at least double it for 4 servings.  It’s chock full of yummy veggies–green pepper, tomatoes, green chilies, onions, and lettuce heaped with ground beef (or turkey) and Colby Jack Cheddar Cheese.  Top your dish with the typical Mexican fare–sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and chips.  I found this recipe in a newspaper many years ago.

1 Cup of chopped peeled tomatoes (2 large)–to peel the tomatoes, my Mom taught me to boil water in a sauce pan, spoon in the washed whole tomatoes, and let them simmer for 3 minutes.  Turn the heat off.  Let them sit in the pan while you chop up the other veggies.  Then scoop them out with a slotted spoon to cool on your cutting board. When they are cool, the skins slide right off so you can chop them.
1/2 Cup each chopped green bell pepper and onion.  You could also use red bell pepper.
2 Tbls of canned chopped green chilies ( I added the entire small can of diced green chilies when I doubled the recipe)
1/2 tsp salt
2 Cups torn iceberg lettuce ( I use much more to make it a hearty salad)
1 Cup shredded Colby/Jack cheese (our favorite) or you can use just Cheddar or just Jack cheese
1 Cup corn chips or fried tortilla strips
Garnish with tomato wedges (I use cheese and chips)

In small bowl mix chopped tomatoes, green pepper, onion, chilies and salt;  set aside.  Place the lettuce in large salad bowl;  set aside.  In medium skillet cook meat, breaking up pieces with wooden spoon, until meat is brown and crumbly; drain off excess fat (I use 93% lean beef).  Add hot meat to lettuce, then add cheese, tomato mixture and chips; toss to blend.  This says it makes 4 servings–4 servings for the little guys!
Serve with warm tortillas or chips and salsa.

Hope you enjoy this dish.  Let me know if you try it or have a similar one.

Have a Blessed Weekend!