Name: Mexican Caesar Salad Recipe: 10-Minute Bold Flavor Boost!
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or canned); ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 medium avocado, diced; ½ cup tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips; ¼ cup cotija cheese, crumbled; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; ¼ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp lime juice; 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce; 1 clove garlic, minced; 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated; 3 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp ground cumin; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper

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Say hello to your new favorite salad! This Mexican Caesar Salad takes everything you love about the classic and cranks up the flavor with a smoky, zesty dressing, crispy tortilla strips, and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese. It’s the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and bold Mexican-inspired goodness. One bite, and you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it this way all along!

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Caesar Salad

A Zesty Upgrade to the Classic – This Mexican_Caesar Salad recipe takes the traditional Caesar and amps it up with bold Mexican flavors, smoky chipotle dressing, and crunchy tortilla strips.
Quick & Easy to Make – In just 15 minutes, you can have a fresh, flavorful Mexican Caesar Salad ready to enjoy—perfect for busy days!
The Perfect Balance of Crunch & Creaminess – Crisp romaine, creamy avocado, and a velvety, smoky dressing come together in every bite of this Mexican-inspired Caesar Salad.
Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch of this Mexican Caesar_Salad recipe, store the dressing separately, and enjoy it throughout the week.
Customizable & Versatile – Serve it as a side, a main dish with grilled chicken or shrimp, or even wrap it up in a tortilla for a delicious salad wrap.
A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite – Whether for a weeknight dinner or a party, this Mexican Caesar Salad is a guaranteed hit with its bold, irresistible flavors.

Ingredients

This Mexican Caesar Salad is all about freshness and crunch. Here’s what you’ll need:

Romaine Lettuce – The crisp base of any great Caesar salad.
Corn Kernels – Adds sweetness and a little pop of texture.
Black Beans – A protein-packed, creamy addition.
Tortilla Strips – Crunchy and salty for that extra bite!
Cotija Cheese – A crumbly, salty cheese that gives it an authentic Mexican touch.
Avocado – Because everything is better with creamy avocado.
Cilantro – Brings in fresh, herbaceous notes.

For the Dressing:

Mayonnaise & Greek Yogurt – The creamy base that makes it luscious.
Lime Juice – Adds the perfect amount of tang.
Chipotle in Adobo – For a smoky, slightly spicy kick.
Garlic & Cumin – Boost the depth of flavor.
Anchovy Paste (optional) – Keeps the classic Caesar umami, but you can skip it if you prefer.
Olive Oil – Brings everything together.

All ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card below!

How to Make

Making this Mexican Caesar Salad recipe is quick, easy, and packed with bold flavors. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a fresh and zesty salad that’s perfect for any occasion.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Wash and chop the romaine lettuce, drain and rinse the black beans, slice the avocado, and get all your ingredients ready for assembling this Mexican Caesar Salad.

Step 2: Blend the Dressing

In a blender, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, chipotle in adobo, garlic, cumin, and anchovy paste (if using). Slowly drizzle in olive oil and blend until smooth and creamy—this smoky dressing is what makes the Mexican Caesar Salad so irresistible!

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, toss together the romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, crunchy tortilla strips, Cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. These vibrant ingredients bring the Mexican Caesar Salad to life.

Step 4: Drizzle & Toss

Pour the creamy, smoky dressing over the salad and gently toss everything to coat. Every bite of this Mexican Caesar Salad will be bursting with flavor!

Step 5: Add the Final Touches & Serve

A hand pouring creamy chipotle dressing over a Mexican Caesar Salad topped with tortilla strips and Cotija cheese.

Top with fresh avocado slices, extra Cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro for the perfect finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Mexican Caesar Salad!

Pro Tips for Making

Use Fresh Romaine for Maximum Crunch – The base of any great Mexican Caesar Salad is crisp, fresh romaine. Chop it just before serving to keep it extra crunchy.
Toast Your Tortilla Strips – For the best crunch, lightly toast your tortilla strips in a dry pan or bake them until golden brown. This makes your Mexican Caesar Salad recipe even more delicious!
Balance the Dressing Flavors – If you love extra zest, add a little more lime juice to the dressing. Want it smokier? A bit more chipotle in adobo will do the trick! Customizing your Mexican_Caesar Salad dressing makes all the difference.
Make the Dressing in Advance – The flavors of the Mexican Caesar Salad dressing get even better with time! Make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge for an extra flavorful salad.
Add Protein for a Complete Meal – Turn your Mexican_Caesar Salad into a hearty meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak.
Don’t Skip the Cotija Cheese – This crumbly, salty cheese is key to achieving that authentic Mexican Caesar Salad flavor. If you can’t find Cotija, feta cheese is a great substitute.
Customize the Spice Level – Love heat? Add extra chipotle or a pinch of cayenne to the dressing. Prefer it mild? Reduce the chipotle or swap it for smoked paprika to keep the smoky flavor.
Keep Avocado Fresh – To prevent your avocado from browning, drizzle it with a little lime juice before adding it to your Mexican Caesar Salad recipe.

How to Serve

This Mexican_Caesar Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many dishes. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy it:

As a Side Dish – Serve your Mexican Caesar Salad alongside tacos, enchiladas, or grilled fajitas for a fresh, zesty contrast.
As a Main Course – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak to turn this Mexican Caesar Salad recipe into a satisfying meal.
In a Wrap – Roll it up in a large tortilla for a delicious Mexican_Caesar Salad wrap, perfect for a quick lunch on the go.
Topped with Extra Crunch – Garnish with more tortilla strips or toasted pumpkin seeds for an extra satisfying bite in every forkful.
With a Bowl of Soup – Pair this Mexican-inspired Caesar Salad with a warm bowl of tortilla soup or black bean soup for a cozy meal.
Taco Salad Style – Serve it in a crispy tortilla bowl for a fun, edible presentation that makes your Mexican Caesar Salad even more exciting.
Party Platter Style – Serve it as a build-your-own salad bar with different toppings like extra avocado, roasted corn, or spicy jalapeños.

No matter how you serve it, this Mexican_Caesar Salad recipe is guaranteed to be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Mexican Caesar Salad fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
If the salad is already dressed, it’s best eaten the same day, as the romaine lettuce can wilt.

Make Ahead Tips

Prep the Ingredients Separately – Chop the romaine, drain the black beans, and slice the avocado ahead of time, but store them separately to keep your Mexican Caesar_Salad recipe fresh.
Make the Dressing in Advance – The Mexican Caesar Salad dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge in an airtight container. The flavors will blend beautifully!

Freezing

Not recommended for lettuce – The romaine in this Mexican_Caesar Salad won’t hold up well in the freezer.
Freeze the Dressing – You can freeze the creamy Mexican Caesar Salad dressing for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge and whisk before using.

Reheating

This Mexican Caesar Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, so no reheating is needed!
If adding grilled chicken or shrimp, reheat the protein separately and toss it into the salad before serving.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a perfectly fresh and delicious Mexican Caesar Salad anytime!

FAQs

Can I make Mexican Caesar Salad ahead of time?

Yes! To keep your Mexican_Caesar Salad fresh, store the ingredients separately and mix just before serving. The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

What makes this Mexican Caesar Salad different from a traditional Caesar salad?

This Mexican Caesar Salad recipe swaps out the classic Caesar flavors for bold, smoky, and zesty Mexican-inspired ingredients. The creamy dressing is made with chipotle, lime juice, and spices, while toppings like tortilla strips and Cotija cheese add the perfect crunch and flavor twist.

Can I make this Mexican Caesar Salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! This Mexican_Caesar Salad is naturally vegetarian. If you want a protein boost, add black beans or grilled tofu instead of meat.

What protein pairs well with Mexican Caesar Salad?

This Mexican Caesar Salad recipe is delicious with grilled chicken, shrimp, steak, or even crispy chickpeas for a plant-based option.

Is this Mexican Caesar Salad gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free tortilla strips, this Mexican_Caesar Salad is completely gluten-free! Always check labels to be sure.

Can I substitute Cotija cheese in Mexican Caesar Salad?

If you can’t find Cotija cheese, you can use feta cheese or Parmesan as a substitute. Both add a similar salty, tangy bite to the Mexican_Caesar Salad recipe.

How spicy is Mexican Caesar Salad?

The level of spice depends on how much chipotle in adobo you add to the dressing. If you prefer a mild version, start with a small amount and add more to taste. You can also swap the chipotle for smoked paprika to keep the flavor without the heat.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

To keep your Mexican Caesar Salad fresh, store it undressed in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.

conclusion

A Mexican Caesar Salad is the perfect fusion of bold, zesty flavors and classic Caesar goodness. With crisp romaine, a smoky chipotle dressing, and crunchy tortilla strips, every bite is packed with texture and taste. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a main dish, it’s a guaranteed hit! Check out more fresh salad recipes on Rory Recipes.

Mexican Caesar Salad Recipe: 10-Minute Bold Flavor Boost!

Author: Chef Rory
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing
In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, chipotle pepper, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss together the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, avocado, and tortilla strips.
Add the Dressing
Drizzle the chipotle Caesar dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
Finish with Toppings
Sprinkle cotija cheese and fresh cilantro over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

f you prefer a lighter dressing, use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Cotija cheese can be substituted with feta or grated Parmesan.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier meal.
Make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: Mexican