Mexican Caesar Dressing Creamy with Cottage Cheese

Elevate your Caesar salad with this Mexican Caesar Salad Dressing, made with cottage cheese, avocado oil, and fresh lime juice for a creamy, bold flavor. This recipe skips raw egg yolk and anchovy paste, offering a safe and accessible option. Easy on spice but rich in flavor, it’s perfect as a side dish or main course, with the option to add more heat if desired.

Jar of Mexican Caesar dressing.

Elevate your classic Caesar salad with a delicious Mexican twist using this unique Mexican Caesar Salad Dressing recipe. Perfect as a side dish or a main course, this simple, creamy dressing is made without raw egg yolk or anchovy paste, ensuring a safe and accessible option. The dressing ingredients, including cottage cheese, avocado oil, and fresh lime juice, provide healthy fats while adding rich flavor and texture. It’s easy on the spice but bold in flavor, so you can easily add more heat.

Toss this creamy dressing with crisp romaine lettuce to create your new favorite salad. Inspired by the original Caesar salad, this Mexican salad offers a delicious fusion of flavors that complement your favorite Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, and salad bowls.

Bring Your Own Spice Mild Recipe logo

BYOS: Flavor Without the Fire!

Love bold flavors but not the heat? Spice things up on your own terms with this BYOS recipe bursting with deliciousness. All the ingredients are prepped for easy digestion and a heartburn-free experience. Adjust the spice level to your preference—no more burnt tongues or tears here! Now, everyone can enjoy this recipe regardless of their spice tolerance!

YouTube video

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Caesar Dressing Recipe

  • Creamy and bold flavor: Made with cottage cheese, avocado oil, and fresh lime juice for a rich, smooth taste.
  • No raw eggs or anchovies: A safe and accessible option that skips traditional Caesar ingredients.
  • Easy to customize: Adjust the spice level to your liking for a personalized kick.
  • Versatile dressing: Perfect for salads, as a dip, or drizzled over your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.
Jar of Mexican Caesar dressing.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here is everything you need to make my easy Mexican Caesar dressing:

Cottage Cheese: Greek yogurt or silken tofu can be used for a similar creamy texture.

Almond Milk: Any milk (cow’s, soy, oat, etc.) will work.

Light Olive Oil: Avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil can be used instead.

Fresh Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, use parsley or green onions.

Fresh Lime juice: You can also use lime juice concentrate, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.

Parmesan Cheese: Nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free option.

Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free) with a dash of red wine vinegar can mimic the flavor.

Dijon Mustard: Yellow mustard or whole grain mustard can be used.

Garlic Powder: a clove of garlic or shallots can be used.

Cumin: Smoked paprika or chili powder can add a different but complementary flavor.

Oregano: Dried basil or thyme can be substituted.

Salt: Adjust to taste; sea salt or Himalayan pink salt can be used.

Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper for a more robust flavor.

Mexican Caesar Salad recipe with Caesar dressing on a plate.

How to Make My Mexican Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe

Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions for making the best-tasting Caesar dressing with Mexican flavors. The simple ingredients are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.

Step 1: Make the Mexican Caesar Dressing

In a blender, food processor, or chopper cup with an immersion blender, combine the cottage cheese, almond milk, light olive oil, lime juice, parmesan cheese, cilantro leaves, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. 

Blend until all ingredients are well combined, and the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Adding caesar dressing ingredients to a chopper cup.
Mixing caesar dressing in a chopper cup.
Mexican Caesar Salad recipe with Caesar dressing on a plate.

Helpful Recipe Notes

Dressing Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add a little more almond milk to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a bit more cottage cheese or a small amount of Greek yogurt.

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Mexican Caesar Salad Dressing

  • Taco Salad: Toss together a mix of spring greens, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and red bell pepper cut into bite-size pieces. Top with crumbled cotija cheese and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for added crunch. Drizzle with the Mexican Caesar Dressing and serve with a side of tortilla chips for scooping.
  • Main Dish Salad: Create a hearty main dish salad by combining a base of spring mix with extra veggies like sliced red peppers, cherry tomatoes, and black beans. Add chunks of Monterey Jack cheese and a handful of crunchy croutons. Finish with a generous amount of Mexican Caesar Dressing to tie all the flavors together.
  • Grilled Chicken Salad: For a protein-packed option, layer grilled chicken breast slices over a bed of spring mix, black beans, red bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and pumpkin seeds. Serve with a side of tortilla chips and a drizzle of the creamy dressing.
  • Veggie Platter: Assemble a colorful platter of extra veggies such as red peppers, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices. Add a bowl of the Mexican Caesar Dressing for dipping, along with a side of tortilla chips for a satisfying snack or appetizer.
  • Mexican-Inspired Caesar Salad: Toss together bite-size pieces of romaine lettuce with red bell pepper, black beans, and cherry tomatoes. Top with crumbled cotija cheese and a handful of pumpkin seeds. Serve with Monterey Jack cheese croutons and a generous drizzle of Mexican Caesar Dressing for a twist on the classic Caesar salad.

How to Make this Easy Mexican Caesar Dressing Recipe Spicier

  • Add Jalapeños: Blend in one or two fresh jalapeño peppers (seeds removed for less heat, or included for extra spice) with the other ingredients. Adjust the amount to your heat preference.
  • Incorporate Hot Sauce: Add 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce to the blender. Taste and increase the amount gradually until the desired level of spiciness is reached.
  • Use Chipotle Peppers: Blend in one chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick. You can also add a teaspoon of the adobo sauce for extra flavor.
  • Add Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkle in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to your heat tolerance.
  • Include Red Pepper Flakes: Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. This will add a subtle heat that builds as you eat.
  • Blend in Serrano Peppers: For a spicier option, blend in one serrano pepper (seeds removed for milder heat, or included for more spice). Adjust the amount according to your taste.
  • Spicy Mustard: Substitute regular Dijon mustard with spicy or hot mustard. This will add both heat and extra flavor to the dressing.
  • Combine Spicy Ingredients: For an extra kick, combine several of the spicy options above, like adding jalapeños and hot sauce together, or using chipotle peppers with a dash of cayenne pepper.

Tips:

  • Always start with a smaller amount of spicy ingredients and gradually increase to avoid making the dressing too hot.
  • Taste the dressing after each addition to gauge the heat level.
  • Remember that the spiciness can intensify as the dressing sits, so let it rest for a bit before making final adjustments.

Dressing Storage: Keep the dressing in an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake or stir well before using. If the salad is already assembled and dressed, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 1-2 days for the best quality.

What can I use instead of cottage cheese in the Caesar dressing?
Greek yogurt or silken tofu can be used as a substitute for cottage cheese to maintain a creamy texture while keeping the dressing healthy and high in protein.

Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the salad is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensure that the tortilla strips and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How can I make this Mexican Caesar salad dressing dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cottage cheese and Parmesan cheese alternatives. Ensure that the Worcestershire sauce is also vegan and gluten-free.

How long does the dressing last in the refrigerator?
The Mexican Caesar dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake or stir well before using, as ingredients may separate over time.

What type of milk works best for this recipe?
Any type of milk will work, including dairy and plant-based options such as almond, soy, or oat milk. Choose the one that suits your dietary preferences and desired consistency.

Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may meld together more as it sits, enhancing the taste.

How can I adjust the consistency of the dressing?
If the dressing is too thick, you can add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition until the desired consistency is reached.

Can this Mexican Caesar dressing be made vegetarian?
Yes, this dressing is suitable for vegetarians. Ensure that the Worcestershire sauce you use is vegetarian-friendly, as some brands contain anchovies.

Can I make the dressing without a blender?
While a blender provides the smoothest consistency, you can also use an immersion blender or food processor. If neither is available, you can mix the ingredients by hand, but the texture may be less smooth.

Jar of Mexican Caesar dressing.

Mexican Caesar Dressing Creamy with Cottage Cheese

Gluten-Free diet-friendly recipe
Elevate your Caesar salad with this Mexican Caesar Salad Dressing, made with cottage cheese, avocado oil, and fresh lime juice for a creamy, bold flavor. This recipe skips raw egg yolk and anchovy paste, offering a safe and accessible option. Easy on spice but rich in flavor, it’s perfect as a side dish or main course, with the option to add more heat if desired.
5 from 4 votes
Servings 8
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/3 cup milk (any type)
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil (or light olive oil)
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard (or mustard powder)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • dash black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a blender, food processor, or chopper cup with an immersion blender, combine the cottage cheese, almond milk, light olive oil, lime juice, parmesan cheese, cilantro leaves, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. 
    Blend until all ingredients are well combined, and the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Video

YouTube video

Notes

Dressing Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add a little more almond milk to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a bit more cottage cheese or a small amount of Greek yogurt.

Nutrition

Calories: 90kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 47mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 83IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 0.2mg
Keyword caesar dressing, caesar salad, mexican salad
Did you make this recipe and love it?Please let me know in the comments below how it turned out 🙂

6 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This is really good! I added a little chili powder for some heat. Thank you for a new way to use cottage cheese!

5 from 4 votes

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