This Mexican Caesar Salad is a quick, 15-minute classic side dish infused with delightful Mexican flavors. It features fresh, crunchy romaine hearts tossed in a creamy, zesty Mexican Caesar dressing, and topped off with cotija cheese, crispy tortilla strips, and toasted pepitas.
I love pairing a fresh side salad with any meal, and I wanted to find the ideal one for our Mexican night!
This Mexican Caesar Salad is my top choice! Its preparation is incredibly quick and simple, packed with delicious ingredients, and it shines as either a side or a main dish.
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Quick to prepare – This dish can be ready to serve in only 15 minutes.
- Versatile – Enjoy this Mexican Caesar Salad as a main dish with chicken or as a side.
- FULL of flavors and textures – Expect a wonderful combination of fresh greens, crunchy tortilla strips, crispy pepitas, salty cheese, and a lively, tangy dressing. What’s not to love?!
Recipe Notes
This Mexican Caesar Salad recipe is just as simple as it claims to be! In just 15 minutes, you can prepare a meal that’s sure to please the family.
In this section, I’ll provide some tips and tricks to create the best Mexican Caesar Salad for optimal flavor.
Don’t forget to scroll down for the COMPLETE recipe card with full details.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Mexican Caesar Salad Dressing – This dressing is made with a combination of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lime juice, fajita seasoning, and vegetable oil.
- Lettuce – Chopped romaine hearts are my favorite, but you can swap in any lettuce you prefer. Romaine works exceptionally well!
- Cheese – Crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco are both excellent choices.
- Tortilla Strips – Premade tortilla strips are easily found, but making them from scratch is quite simple! Check the recipe card below for instructions.
- Roasted Pepitas – You can find pepitas, or pumpkin seeds, at most grocery stores.
Be sure to refer to the recipe card at the end of this post for the complete ingredient list and quantities.
Recipe Variations
If you’re as passionate about this recipe as we are and want to discover quick ways to switch it up, these simple ideas can help!
- Add a protein – Turn this side dish into a main course by adding sliced or shredded chicken. I love…
Recipe Step-by-Step
This section will highlight some crucial steps in the recipe, but make sure to refer to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on assembling the Mexican Caesar Salad.
In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the Caesar salad dressing. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth.
Chop the lettuce into small pieces, drizzle the dressing over it, and toss to combine thoroughly.
Top the salad with cotija cheese, followed by…
Finish by adding a layer of pepitas.
Garnish with tortilla strips and enjoy immediately for the best experience!
Tips for the Recipe
- Serve right away – To keep your lettuce crisp and tortilla strips crunchy, it’s optimal to enjoy this salad right after mixing in the dressing.
- Personalize as desired – Feel free to tailor this recipe by including or excluding ingredients according to your taste.
Time-Saving Tips
If you’re short on time but still want to make this dish, here are a few shortcuts to simplify preparation!
- Prepare in advance – While it’s recommended to serve this salad immediately after assembling, you can save time by making the dressing ahead of time. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Use store-bought tortilla strips – Although homemade tortilla strips are delightful, opting for pre-packaged ones can help you save time.
Accompaniments for Mexican Caesar Salad
This vibrant dish, rich in Mexican flavors, pairs beautifully with a variety of your favorite Mexican main courses and sides.
Choose one or combine several of these dishes to create a fulfilling and well-rounded meal. Options vary from classic to health-conscious choices for a lighter meal.
Suggestions for Side Dishes
- Crockpot Refried Beans – What would a Mexican meal be without refried beans? These flavorful, creamy Mexican Style Crock Pot Refried Beans are the perfect pairing for a Mexican Caesar Salad.
- Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake – Enhance your salad by serving it alongside this hearty dish filled with chicken, black beans, rice, and cheese, topped with fresh ingredients of your choice.
- Oven Baked Green Chile Pork Chops – Savor these Green Chile Pork Chops, featuring tender pork in a creamy green chile sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro.
- Mexican Roasted Vegetables – For a lighter option, enjoy these Mexican Roasted Vegetables, combining red onion, bell pepper, broccoli, and squash with taco spices and lime juice.
Storage for Leftovers
While this salad is best consumed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container:
- in the refrigerator for 1-3 days
Creative Ideas for Leftovers
If you’re looking for a creative way to use your salad leftovers, consider this:
- Chicken Caesar Wrap – Transform your leftover salad into a tasty wrap! Prepare some Baja Chicken or Mexican Style Chicken Thighs, then fold it into a tortilla with the Mexican Caesar Salad.
FAQs About the Recipe
What ingredients are in a Mexican Caesar Salad?
A Mexican Caesar Salad is similar to a traditional Caesar salad, featuring fresh greens with a creamy dressing. This version is enriched with fajita seasoning and topped with cotija cheese, fried tortilla strips, and roasted pepitas, providing a delightful twist on the classic.
Additional EASY Salad Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I invite you to take a moment to discover several more quick and easy recipes ideal for hectic evenings!
Feel free to browse all of my **simple salad recipes here**, or check out a selection of favorites from our readers below.
Mexican Caesar Salad
This Mexican Caesar Salad merges a classic side dish with distinctive Mexican tastes. It highlights crunchy romaine hearts dressed in a creamy, tangy sauce inspired by Mexican cuisine, finished with cotija cheese, crispy tortilla strips, and roasted pepitas.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
0 minutes
Total Time:
15 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
For the Mexican Caesar Salad Dressing
Instructions
To prepare the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lime juice, fajita seasoning, and oil.
Keep whisking until everything is smooth.
To assemble the salad
Chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, placing them in a large bowl and tossing with the Mexican Caesar Dressing.
Sprinkle crumbled cojita cheese over the top, then add the pepitas and tortilla strips.
Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Premade tortilla strips can be found at most grocery stores. If you prefer homemade, cut corn tortillas into thin strips and deep-fry until golden brown. Drain excess oil and sprinkle with salt.This salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. However, the dressing can be made up to a week in advance; just mix the salad right before serving.For a heartier meal, consider adding sliced chicken or steak. Baja chicken breast or blackened chicken thighs are excellent choices!Nutrition Information
Calories: 333kcal (17%), Carbohydrates: 7g (2%), Protein: 6g (12%), Fat: 32g (49%), Saturated Fat: 6g (38%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, **Nutritional Information:**
– **Trans Fat:** 0.2 g
– **Cholesterol:** 16 mg (5%)
– **Sodium:** 277 mg (12%)
– **Potassium:** 246 mg (7%)
– **Fiber:** 2 g (8%)
– **Sugar:** 2 g (2%)
– **Vitamin A:** 5064 IU (101%)
– **Vitamin C:** 5 mg (6%)
– **Calcium:** 115 mg (12%)
– **Iron:** 1 mg (6%)
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