It’s that time of year … time to spring into summer entertaining! I really love summer entertaining because, even though I love to plan a party and still use my “good” dishes in the outdoors (it’s just elegant and an excuse to get semi-fancy), I love casual entertaining just as much.
We recently had friends and family over for a Mexican meal. I love a Mexican theme because realistically, you don’t have to do much planning. As a kid, if I knew we were having Mexican food it usually meant tortillas, meat, beans, rice, cheese, tomatoes … the basics.
This time I pulled out the paper products, because I wanted quick and easy. No dishes, easy clean up, and really good food!
I decided to make 2 new dip recipes from Ro*Tel, to freshen up the toppings for the tacos.
Have you ever cooked with Ro*Tel?
If you haven’t or you want to know more about it, it’s diced tomatoes and green chilies combined together. You can purchase it in “original” or “mild” and it adds a “punch” to your dip or Mexican recipes. (I was able to send coupons home with my guests!)
Usually I don’t make brand new recipes for guests, I like to try them out on my family first, but dips are easy. So easy, that I’m sharing the 2 recipes with you today!
I didn’t even have to go to the store, as I had all ingredients on hand (except fresh cilantro, which I thought I had, but didn’t). I don’t know about you, but I do not like running to the store for last minute supplies, so I’ll try to do without or come up with a substitution.
Oh, and by the way, I never even mentioned to my guests that an ingredient was missing.
And no one knew! I’ve definitely learned to not bring those subjects up when entertaining. It only brings awareness to something that would not have even mattered. My guests thought the food was fantastic! Yeah!
My guests oohed and aaahed over the freshness of these dips. I asked them if they had used Ro*Tel before and only a few had.
Do you ever buy Ro*Tel and if so, what’s your favorite way to cook with it? If not, what’s your go-to Mexican dip recipe?
Recipe: Guacamole that Rocks {ReluctantEntertainer.com}
Summary: You can’t get any fresher than Guacamole that compliments chips and other Mexican dishes.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe avocados, pitted, peeled and mashed
- 1 can (10 oz. each) Ro*Tel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, drained
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 tsp. lemon or lime juice
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- Ground black pepper
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
- Season with pepper to taste.
- Serve with tortilla chips or as a Mexican dish topping.
Preparation time: 10 minute(s)
Number of servings (yield): 12
Recipe: Spicy Black Bean Salsa {ReluctantEntertainer.com}
Summary: A spicy, colorful salsa, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn red onion, and cilantro.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz.) Black Beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz. each) Ro*Tel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, drained
- 1/2 cup whole kernel corn, frozen or canned (I used a Corn Chile salsa)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 Tbsp. lime juice
- 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
Instructions
- Stir together all ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Serve with tortilla chips or as a Mexican dish topping.
Preparation time: 40 minute(s)
Number of servings (yield): 12
Next week come back for a very cool, summery giveaway from Ro*Tel. Two lucky people will WIN!
This post is sponsored by Ro*Tel but all opinions are my own.
You can find more recipes and ways to use RO*TEL on their website, Facebook page, Pinterest board or by following them on Twitter.
Hi, I'm Sandy. Five years ago I stocked up on beautiful glasses from the Dollar Store. As I started writing about dinner parties, I realized that this "icon" portrays a great message. 
I want to share with you some of my favorite places to visit in blog-land, sites that I learn from and am inspired by, and some beautiful friends that I’ve met over the years.
These dips sound delicious, Sandy! We love the classic Rotel with Velveeta cheese dip too!!!
[Reply]
Your dip looks great. I try to always keep a can of Rotel on hand, I usually use it in my favorite chicken/tortilla soup. My recipe doesn’t come from their site but I’m going to visit it and see the recipes they have posted.
Darla
[Reply]
I add Rotel anytime a tomato dish needs an extra kick! I really like it in chili. I make a version of the black bean dip but we call it Cowboy Caviar:-)I’ll have to check out Rotel’s site for some more ideas.
Em
[Reply]
I love Rotel, I think it would be amazing in the guacamole!
[Reply]
Delish. Thank you for the recipes!
[Reply]
I’ve never thought of using Rotel in guacamole before, but it makes perfect sense and sounds delicious.
I love Rotel and use it in cheese dips and casseroles and a soup or two.
Enjoy your site very much!
[Reply]
I always have a few cans of Rotel in the pantry. I use it in my guac and when I make chili. Your black bean dip looks wonderful and I will be making it soon…maybe this holiday weekend! Rotel adds a nice punch to tortilla chicken soup or Mexican veggie soup too! Love your sunflowers and have a wonderful long weekend.
[Reply]
Yummy! I don’t think I’ve ever cooked with Rotel. My favorite mexican dips would be my texas caviar and a layered hot dip that has refried beans/taco meat/taco sauce/shredded cheese/olives/sour cream and diced tomatoes. YUM!!!
[Reply]
These sound great, Sandy. We have a hard time getting RoTel products here in Canada, but I found a Mexican store nearby that sells them. Use the canned tomatoes with green chilis all the time for a fabulous corn chowder recipe.
[Reply]
Both look just amazing. I vote for second one. Great ideas!
[Reply]
I’ve used RoTel in taco soup recipes before but never in a “fresh” way like this. I love the idea of the black bean one! Can’t wait to try it! Sounds so yummy!!
[Reply]
Inspirational! Have been using Ro*Tel for years, but never in salsa! Brilliant!
[Reply]
Looks amazing, and I’d like to try them for a graduation party on Saturday. How far in advance can I mix them? Thanks
[Reply]