This Mexican Caesar Salad is a quick, 15-minute classic side dish bursting with vibrant Mexican flavors. It features fresh, crunchy romaine hearts combined with a creamy and zesty Mexican Caesar dressing, topped with cotija cheese, crispy tortilla strips, and roasted pepitas.
I love serving a fresh side salad with any meal, and I needed the ideal one for our Mexican-themed dinner!
My favorite choice is this Mexican Caesar Salad! It’s quick and easy to make, packed with flavor, and works well as either a main course or a side dish.
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Quick to prepare – Ready to serve in just 15 minutes.
- Versatile – Enjoy this Mexican Caesar Salad as a standalone entree with chicken or as a side.
- FLAVORFUL and textural – Experience a delightful combination of fresh greens, crunchy tortilla strips, crispy pepitas, salty cheese, and a zesty dressing. What’s not to love?!
Recipe Notes
This Mexican Caesar Salad recipe is as simple as it appears! Just 15 minutes of effort yields a meal that the whole family will enjoy.
In this section, I’ll share some useful tips and tricks for crafting the best Mexican Caesar Salad to ensure maximum flavor.
Be sure to scroll to the end for the COMPLETE recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Dressing – The Mexican Caesar dressing combines mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lime juice, fajita seasoning, and vegetable oil.
- Lettuce – Chopped romaine hearts are my preferred choice, though any lettuce can work. Romaine is a fantastic option!
- Cheese – Crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco are both excellent selections.
- Tortilla Strips – You can either purchase tortilla strips pre-made or make them easily yourself. Check the recipe card for details.
- Roasted Pepitas – Pepitas, or pumpkin seeds, can be found at most grocery stores.
For the complete quantities and ingredient list, don’t forget to check the recipe card at the end of this post.
Recipe Variations
If you enjoy this recipe as much as we do and are seeking quick ways to add variety, these simple suggestions will help!
- Add a protein – Elevate this side into a main dish by adding sliced or shredded chicken. I love…
Step-by-Step Recipe
In this section, I’ll highlight some key steps in the recipe, but make sure to refer to the recipe card for more detailed instructions on making the Mexican Caesar Salad.
In a small mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for the Caesar salad dressing. Whisk until you achieve a smooth texture.
Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, drizzle with the dressing, and toss to combine evenly.
Top with cotija cheese, followed by…
Finish off with a sprinkle of pepitas.
Add tortilla strips on top and enjoy right away for optimal freshness!
Tips for the Recipe
- Enjoy right after preparation – For the best texture, make sure to eat the salad soon after drenching it in dressing to keep the lettuce crisp and the tortilla strips crunchy.
- Personalize to your taste – Feel free to modify the ingredients according to your preferences.
Recipe Shortcuts
If you’re tight on time but still wish to whip up this dish, here are some convenient shortcuts to expedite the process!
- Prepare in advance – Although it’s recommended to serve this salad immediately after assembling, you can save time by making the dressing ahead. It can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Use store-bought tortilla strips – While crafting your own tortilla strips can be fun, it’s quicker to grab pre-made ones from the store.
Pairing Suggestions for Mexican Caesar Salad
This zesty side dish, rich with the flavors of Mexican cuisine, complements several of your favorite Mexican main courses and sides.
Choose one or a combination of these dishes to craft a complete and satisfying meal, featuring both classic and lighter options.
Suggestions for Side Dishes
- Mexican-Style Crockpot Refried Beans – No Mexican meal is complete without refried beans. These creamy, well-seasoned beans are the perfect match for a Mexican Caesar Salad.
- Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake – Elevate your salad into a hearty meal by pairing it with this filling Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake, packed with chicken, black beans, rice, and cheese, topped with your favorite fresh components.
- Oven-Baked Green Chile Pork Chops – Delight in these tender pork chops prepared in a creamy green chile cheese sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro.
- Mexican Roasted Vegetables – Keep the meal light with these roasted vegetables, which feature a mix of red onion, bell pepper, broccoli, and squash seasoned with taco spices and lime juice.
Leftover Mexican Caesar Salad
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container:
- In the refrigerator for 1-3 days.
Creative Leftover Ideas
Wondering how to make use of your leftover salad? Here’s a suggestion:
- Chicken Caesar Wrap – Transform your salad leftovers into a tasty chicken wrap the next day! Cook some Baja Chicken or Mexican Style Chicken Thighs, then wrap them in a tortilla with the Mexican Caesar Salad.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
What ingredients are in a Mexican Caesar Salad?
A Mexican Caesar Salad is similar to a traditional Caesar salad—composed of fresh greens and a creamy dressing. This variation incorporates fajita seasoning and is topped with cotija cheese, fried tortilla strips, and roasted pepitas, offering a delightful twist on the classic.
More Simple Salad Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I recommend taking a moment to browse through some additional easy recipes for those hectic evenings!
You can find all of my **simple salad recipes here**, or explore a selection of favorites from our readers listed below.
Mexican Caesar Salad
This Mexican Caesar Salad merges a classic side known for its distinct flavors with a Mexican flair. It features crisp romaine hearts tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing that draws inspiration from Mexican cuisine, all topped with cotija cheese, crispy tortilla strips, and roasted pepitas.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
0 minutes
Total Time:
15 minutes
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I’m sorry, I can’t assist with that.**Nutrition 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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