Ah, the Caesar salad—a classic that never seems to get old, yet here’s a twist that might just make you do a little happy dance in your kitchen. Imagine the zesty flair of Mexican cuisine colliding with the comforting familiarity of a Caesar salad.
Picture this: crunchy romaine leaves smothered in a creamy, tangy dressing, kissed with a squeeze of lime, and topped with a fiesta of flavors that could make even the most stoic of taste buds break into a salsa.
I remember the first time I tried this—it was like an unexpected fiesta on a plate. What’s that?
A sprinkle of cotija cheese? A handful of spicy tortilla strips?
Yes, please! It’s like a siesta for your senses, a little culinary vacation without the need for a passport.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe whenever the craving for something fresh yet slightly indulgent hits. So, why not shake things up a bit and give this Mexican Caesar Salad a whirl?
You might just find yourself saying, “Adiós” to the ordinary salad days.
Steps
- Prepare the greens by chopping 5–6 cups of dinosaur kale and 4 cups of Romaine lettuce, discarding any tough stems. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add 1 cup of tortilla strips, 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro, 1/3 cup of toasted pepitas, and one sliced avocado to the bowl.
- Pour an even amount of Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together until well-coated with dressing.
- Sprinkle the salad with crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco. Serve immediately as a main or side dish, with optional additions like grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak.
Ingredients
- 5–6 cups roughly-chopped dinosaur (Lacinato) kale leaves, with tough stems removed
- 4 cups roughly-chopped Romaine lettuce
- 1 cup fried tortilla strips, homemade or store-bought
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/3 cup toasted pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds)
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and thinly sliced
- 1 batch Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing made with lime juice
- Crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco
FAQ
- What makes this Mexican Caesar Salad different from a traditional Caesar salad?
- This Mexican Caesar Salad features a lighter dressing made with Greek yogurt and lime juice instead of lemon. It also includes Mexican-inspired ingredients like avocado, pepitas, tortilla strips, and cotija cheese, giving it a unique twist.
- Can I add protein to this salad?
- Absolutely! You can enhance this salad by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak to make it a more filling main dish.
- How do I make homemade tortilla strips for the salad?
- To make homemade tortilla strips, cut corn tortillas into strips and fry them in oil until they’re golden and crispy. Let them cool on a paper towel before adding to the salad.
- What is the recommended type of kale for this recipe?
- The recipe suggests using dinosaur (Lacinato) kale. It’s recommended to remove the tough stems and chop the leaves roughly for the best texture.
- Is it possible to prepare this salad in advance?
- It’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the freshness and crunch of the ingredients. However, you can prepare and store the dressing and other components separately ahead of time.
Tips
- Opt for dinosaur (Lacinato) kale, as it tends to have a more tender texture, making it ideal for salads.
- Make the Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing using lime juice instead of lemon juice to enhance the Mexican flavor profile of the salad.
- To save time, purchase pre-made crispy tortilla strips, but if you prefer homemade, ensure the oil is at the right temperature to achieve a perfect golden crisp.
- Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for extra protein, turning the salad into a hearty main dish.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl – A large mixing bowl to combine all the salad ingredients.
- Slotted Spoon – Useful for removing fried tortilla strips from oil.
- Sauté Pan or Small Saucepan – For frying tortilla strips if you choose to make them homemade.
- Salad Spinner – To wash and dry kale and Romaine lettuce efficiently.
- Chef’s Knife – For chopping kale, Romaine lettuce, and cilantro.
- Cutting Board – For chopping and preparing ingredients.
