I don't venture often to Southeast Denver, but I accepted the invitation for a cooking class at Cantina Laredo Denver, an upscale Mexican restaurant, located in Centennial's outdoor mall, The Streets at SouthGlenn. 

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Cantina Laredo is part of a national chain, each with its own personality and staff. Here traditional Mexican food is accented with Southwest flavors and generous twists of lime.  

Cantina Laredo Denver celebrates the summer with several fresh salads: Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad, Mango Chicken Salad, Cranberry Pecan Salad, and -- my favorite -- Honey Shrimp Salad. All four salads consisted of fresh ingredients, and house-made salad dressings. 

You can create your own summer salad, courtesy of Cantina Laredo, with their Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette:

Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

2 Cups Vinaigrette Dressing
Fresh Lime Juice, 2 Each
1 Bunch Finely Chopped Cilantro

Measure Vinaigrette Dressing, lime juice and cilantro into a blender cup. Blend until very small particles of cilantro are visible. Place into refrigerator.

Another tasty Salad Dressing:

Tropical Ginger Vinaigrette

2 Cups Rice Wine Vinegar
1 Cup Mandarin Oranges, Drained
1 Cup Crushed Pineapple, Drained
1/2 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Honey
1/4 Cup Ginger, Fresh, Peeled Rough Chopped

Measure all ingredients into a blender. Puree until well blended and refrigerate.

Click here for my review of Cantina Laredo at Uptake.com