This Mexican Caesar Salad is a speedy, 15-minute, classic side dish with a delightful Mexican flair. It boasts fresh, crispy romaine hearts mixed in a creamy and zesty Mexican Caesar dressing, topped with cotija cheese, crispy tortilla strips, and toasted pepitas.
I enjoy a fresh side salad to complement any meal, so I needed the perfect one for our Mexican night!
My go-to is this Mexican Caesar Salad! It’s incredibly quick and straightforward to prepare, filled with tasty ingredients, and works beautifully as either a side or a main dish.
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Quick to prepare – This dish can be ready to serve in a mere 15 minutes.
- Can be a meal or side – Enjoy this Mexican Caesar Salad as a main dish with chicken or as a side dish.
- ABUNDANT flavors and textures – Expect a mix of fresh greens, crunchy tortilla strips, crispy pepitas, salty cheese, and a vibrant, tangy dressing. What’s not to adore?!
Recipe Notes
This Mexican Caesar Salad recipe is as straightforward as it promises! Just 15 minutes of preparation results in a family-friendly meal.
In this section, I will share some tips and tricks for making the best Mexican Caesar Salad to achieve the most delicious outcomes.
Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom for the COMPLETE recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Mexican Caesar Salad Dressing – This dressing is crafted using a mix of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lime juice, fajita seasoning, and vegetable oil.
- Lettuce – Chopped Romaine hearts are my favorite, but you can substitute with any lettuce you prefer. Romaine is also an excellent choice!
- Cheese – Crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco are both fantastic options.
- Tortilla Strips – You can buy tortilla strips premade, though making them from scratch is quite easy! Refer to the recipe card below for guidance.
- Roasted Pepitas – Pepitas, or pumpkin seeds, are widely available at most grocery stores.
Be sure to check the recipe card at the end of this post for the complete quantities and ingredient list.
Recipe Variations
- Add a protein – Transform this side dish into a main course by incorporating sliced or shredded chicken. I love…
Recipe Step-by-Step
Here, I will outline some essential steps in the recipe, but be sure to check the recipe card for detailed instructions on creating the Mexican Caesar Salad.
In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the Caesar salad dressing. Whisk until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Cut the lettuce into bite-sized portions, drizzle it with dressing, and then toss to mix thoroughly.
Sprinkle the cheese over the top, followed by a layer of pepitas.
Top with tortilla strips and serve right away for the best experience!
Recipe Tips
- Serve immediately after assembly – To ensure your lettuce remains crisp and tortilla strips maintain their crunch, it’s best to enjoy this salad right after adding the dressing.
- Customize to your liking – Feel free to adjust this recipe by adding or omitting ingredients as you prefer.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you’re pressed for time but still want to prepare this dish, consider these shortcuts to streamline the process!
- Prep ahead – Though I suggest serving this salad immediately after assembling, you can save time by preparing the dressing beforehand. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Opt for store-bought tortilla strips – While making your own tortilla strips can be enjoyable, you can save time by using ready-made options available at the store.
What to Serve with Mexican Caesar Salad
This flavorful side dish, infused with the vibrant tastes of Mexican cuisine, pairs wonderfully with many of your favorite Mexican entrees and sides.
Select one or a combination of these dishes to create a satisfying and balanced meal. You’ll find options that range from classic to healthier choices to keep the meal light.
Side Dish Ideas
- Mexican Style Crockpot Refried Beans – What’s a Mexican meal without refried beans? These creamy, well-seasoned Mexican Style Crock Pot Refried Beans are the ideal accompaniment to a Mexican Caesar Salad.
- Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake – Transform your salad into a filling dish by pairing it with this hearty Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake, loaded with chicken, black beans, rice, and cheese, all topped with your favorite fresh ingredients.
- Oven Baked Green Chile Pork Chops – These beloved Green Chile Pork Chops consist of tender pork cooked in a creamy green chile cheese sauce and garnished with fresh cilantro.
- Mexican Roasted Vegetables – Keep things light with these Mexican Roasted Vegetables, which include a mix of red onion, bell pepper, broccoli, and squash seasoned with taco spices and lime juice.
Mexican Caesar Salad Leftovers
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be kept in an airtight container:
- in the refrigerator for 1-3 days
Leftover Recipes
Looking for an inventive way to utilize your leftover salad? Consider this:
- Chicken Caesar Wrap – Repurpose your salad leftovers into a delicious chicken wrap the following day! Prepare some Baja Chicken or Mexican Style Chicken Thighs, then wrap it in a tortilla along with the Mexican Caesar Salad.
Recipe FAQ’s
What’s in a Mexican Caesar Salad?
A Mexican Caesar Salad bears resemblance to a classic Caesar salad—fresh greens combined with a creamy dressing. However, this version is enhanced with fajita seasoning, and topped with cojita cheese, fried tortilla strips, and roasted pepitas. It’s a delightful twist on a classic.
More EASY Salad Recipes
You can check out all of my easy salad recipes here, or discover several of our readers’ favorites listed below.
Mexican Caesar Salad
This Mexican Caesar Salad combines a classic side dish with unique Mexican flavors. It showcases crisp romaine hearts coated in a creamy, tangy dressing inspired by Mexican cuisine, topped 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 mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lime juice, fajita seasoning, and oil.
Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
To assemble the salad
Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place it into a large bowl and toss with the Mexican Caesar Dressing.
Sprinkle crumbled cojita cheese over the salad, then add the pepitas and tortilla strips.
Serve right away. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
You can find premade tortilla strips at most grocery stores. If you prefer to make them from scratch, cut corn tortillas into thin strips and deep-fry until golden. Drain from oil and season with salt to taste.After assembling the salad, it is best served immediately. However, the dressing can be prepared up to a week in advance; just assemble the salad just before serving.To create a more substantial meal, consider adding sliced chicken or steak. A popular option is baja chicken breast or blackened chicken thighs!Nutrition Information
Calories: 333kcal (17%), Carbohydrates: 7g (2%), Protein: 6g (12%), Fat: 32g (49%), Saturated Fat: 6g (38%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 16mg (5%), Sodium: 277mg (12%), Potassium: 246mg (7%), Fiber: 2g (8%), Sugar: 2g (2%), Vitamin A: 5064IU (101%), Vitamin C: 5mg (6%), Calcium: 115mg (12%), Iron: 1mg (6%)
