Sophie’s Chopped Salad

A few years ago when we were in New York with our Mom and Aunt we had the opportunity to dine at Bobby Flay’s first restaurant, Mesa Grill.  To start, we ordered Sophie’s Chopped Salad.  This salad is named after Bobby Flay’s daughter.  We were so happy to see the recipe for the salad on the Food Network’s website.  Although when we made the salad, it wasn’t quite as good as it was at the Mesa Grill, it was still very good.  We can’t wait to go back and have it again.

Ingredients

• 1 head romaine lettuce, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cooked chick peas
• 1/2 cup cooked red beans
• 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup fried blue corn tortillas, diced
• 1/2 cup diced Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup diced cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

Toss all salad ingredients together in a medium bowl. Mix together the vinegar and mustard. Slowly whisk in the olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Dress the salad with the vinaigrette and serve.