Best Mexican Caesar Salad and Lighter Creamy Dressing
This Mexican Caesar Salad features a creamy dressing made with whipped cottage cheese, parmesan, and lime juice. Paired with romaine, avocado, black beans, corn, cotija cheese, pepitas, and crispy tortilla strips, this vibrant twist on a classic salad delivers bold flavors with a refreshing crunch in every bite.
This Mexican Caesar Salad is the perfect twist on a classic, featuring a creamy Caesar dressing made with whipped cottage cheese. You’ll love how this vibrant salad comes together with crisp romaine, creamy avocado, black beans, corn, cotija cheese, and pepitas, all topped with crunchy tortilla strips. The dressing, made with cottage cheese, parmesan, and zesty lime juice, adds bold flavor but is easy on the spice, bringing a refreshing new dimension to every bite.
Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a light meal, this salad has all the right elements for a satisfying and flavorful dish. It’s a recipe that’s been refined over time, using simple techniques and the freshest ingredients, making it an easy go-to for any occasion. Get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe collection!
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!
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Caesar Salad Recipe
- Creamy cottage cheese dressing: Made with whipped cottage cheese, parmesan, and lime for a smooth, zesty taste.
- Crunchy toppings: Crispy tortilla strips and pepitas add the perfect crunch to every bite.
- Bold and fresh flavors: Avocado, black beans, and cotija cheese bring vibrant, savory flavors to this salad.
- Easy side or light meal: Great for a quick, flavorful side dish or a refreshing main course.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make my easy Caesar Salad with Mexican flavors:
Salad:
Crisp Romaine Lettuce: Can be replaced with kale, spinach, or a mixed greens blend.
Avocado: If unavailable, use diced cucumber or bell peppers for a refreshing crunch.
Corn: Substitute corn kernels with cooked quinoa or roasted chickpeas for extra protein.
Black Beans: Can be replaced with pinto beans or kidney beans.
Cotija Cheese: You can also use feta cheese, queso fresco, Monterey cheese, or cheddar cheese.
Toasted Pepitas: Crunchy pepitas can be substituted with sunflower seeds or chopped almonds.
Tortilla Strips: Use crushed tortilla chips or omit for a lower-carb option.
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 vinegar can mimic the flavor.
Dijon Mustard: Yellow mustard or whole grain mustard can be used.
Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic cloves 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.
How to Make My Mexican Caesar Salad and Dressing Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions for making the best-tasting Caesar salad 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.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
Add all the lettuce, black beans, corn, cilantro, cotija cheese, avocado slices, pepitas, and tortilla strips to a bowl or plate. Drizzle with dressing.
Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh, flavorful, healthy Mexican Caesar Salad!
Helpful Recipe Notes
Prep Ahead: You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad and add the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
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
- Turn it into a meal with added protein by making my Crispy Pork Carnitas in Slow Cooker with Orange and Lime or Easy Juicy Carne Asada in Cast Iron Skillet or Hexclad.
- Add slices of creamy avocado across the top of the salad for a rich, buttery texture.
- Sprinkle thinly sliced red onions to add a zesty crunch.
- Use Mexican cheese, such as queso fresco, for an authentic flavor boost.
- Include a handful of dehydrated onion for extra flavor.
- Top with homemade tortilla strips for a fresh, crispy element.
- Add Monterey Jack croutons for a cheesy, crunchy addition.
- Scatter crispy tortilla strips for the perfect crunch.
- Enhance the salad dressing with a dash of Mexican spice seasoning for added flavor.
- Garnish with lots of cilantro for a fresh, aromatic touch.
- Halve grape tomatoes and add for a burst of color and sweetness.
- Include slices of green jalapeno pepper for a burst of heat.
How to Make this Easy Mexican Caesar Salad Recipe Spicier
- Add Fresh Jalapenos: Include thinly sliced fresh jalapenos in the salad for a kick of heat.
- Spicy Dressing: Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce into the salad dressing.
- Chipotle Peppers: Incorporate chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy flavor.
- Hot Sauce Drizzle: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the salad before serving.
- Spicy Cheese: Use a spicier cheese like pepper jack instead of Cotija or Parmesan.
- Crushed Red Pepper: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the salad for extra heat.
- Spicy Tortilla Strips: Toss tortilla strips with chili powder or cayenne pepper before baking or frying.
- Spicy Pepitas: Use spicy roasted pepitas as a topping for an added crunch and heat.
- Serrano Peppers: Substitute serrano peppers for jalapenos for a hotter option.
- Chili Oil: Drizzle a bit of chili oil over the salad for an intense, spicy flavor.
Do you love Mexican food? Check out more of my easy and healthy Mexican-inspired recipes:
Best Mexican Caesar Salad and Lighter Creamy Dressing
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients:
- 4 cup romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 1/4 cup cooked corn
- 1/4 cup cooked black beans
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese (crumbled)
- 1/2 avocado (diced)
- 2 tablespoons pepitas
- 1/2 cup tortilla strips
Mexican Caesar Dressing:
- 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
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.
Salad Assembly:
- Add all the lettuce, black beans, corn, cilantro, cotija cheese, avocado slices, pepitas, and tortilla strips to a bowl or plate. Drizzle with dressing.Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
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I LOVE the combined flavors of all the ingredients, thank you for sharing this!
Awesome, Delilah! Thank you for taking the time to share your review 🙂
Thank you for sharing this recipe!
You’re welcome! Thank you for the review 🙂
This is a delicious salad! I made it with your carne asada and it turned out so well. I love that it wasn’t too spicy but still had tons of flavor. Will make again!
Thank you so much for the review, Patti! I’m so glad you liked it 🙂
I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! The dressing is creamy and cheesy and full of flavor.