Mexican Cobb Salad

The obvious thing to say here is that, "oh...it's summer...let's make salads." How creative and unpredictable, right? The hot, humid truth is that our apartment lacks central air and the oven is just not happening. If it's not from the fridge or the grill... see ya 'til September. Don't worry Le Creuset, you will not be forgotten. 

I'm a lover of vegetables (as is the husband), but it can be a challenge to come up with a salad that doesn't feel like every other salad you've had in your lifetime. So why fight it? Let's just make a really flavorful classic, shall we? 

I love a cobb salad, but the blue cheese and creamy dressing are just a bit indulgent for a weeknight in my book. Some pantry/fridge staples will make your produce sing. 

Meet my cast of characters -- romaine, tomato, green pepper, corn, black beans, avocado and hard boiled eggs. I'm a lover of hard boiled eggs and their warring textures of chewy white and crumbly yoke. 

Don't buy bottled salad dressing. I beg of you. Once you learn a simple vinaigrette or two you'll never go back. Promise. Can we pinky swear on it? But let's be honest, you don't put a vinaigrette on a cobb salad. Blaspheme!

This avocado crema looks naughty, but it's the best behaved girl in class. Nonfat greek yogurt, lime juice and a bit of avocado are deceitfully creamy here and make it all just cobb-y enough.

Layer in the most lovely way. I'm into stripes today. Go nuts.

Oh yes... and a bit of bacon never hurt on top. But seriously, this is only one slice of bacon. Not even that bad.

Mexican Cobb Salad
Makes around 3-4 salads, depending on how big you like them

Romaine lettuce, chopped
1 green pepper, diced
2 tomatoes, diced
1 can corn (grilled would be lovely too)
1 can black beans
2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
1 half avocado, chopped
3 slices bacon, cooked
S&P

1 half avocado, very ripe
2 tablespoons nonfat greek yogurt
Juice of 1 lime

Combine yogurt and lime juice. Mash half of avocado in with yogurt mixture until smooth. A fork or whisk work well. Assemble your salad and finish with a dollop of avocado crema.