Dinner

Mexican Caesar Salad Recipe

Name: Mexican Caesar Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: ¼ cup mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 clove garlic, pressed; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 teaspoons fajita seasoning; ¼ cup vegetable oil; 2 romaine hearts; ½ cup crumbled cojita cheese (or Queso Fresco); ½ cup fried tortilla strips; ¼ cup roasted pepitas

BySophie Carsel March 1, 2026March 1, 2026

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Introduction

This Mexican Caesar Salad offers a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic Caesar by incorporating zesty lime and fajita seasoning into the dressing. Topped with crunchy tortilla strips, roasted pepitas, and crumbled cojita cheese, it’s a vibrant and satisfying salad perfect for any meal.

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad that has three main layers: the bottom layer is made of chopped leafy green lettuce, the middle layer contains small light green celery cubes, and the top layer is decorated with thin, curly orange carrot strips, white crumbled cheese, and scattered small brown pumpkin seeds. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a wooden serving spoon and a small glass bowl of extra carrot strips near it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¼ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic (pressed)
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons fajita seasoning
¼ cup vegetable oil
2 romaine hearts
½ cup crumbled cojita cheese (or Queso Fresco)
½ cup fried tortilla strips
¼ cup roasted pepitas

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, pressed garlic, lime juice, fajita seasoning, and vegetable oil.
Step 2: Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Chop the romaine hearts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
Step 4: Toss the chopped romaine with the prepared Mexican Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
Step 5: Sprinkle the crumbled cojita cheese over the salad, then add the roasted pepitas and fried tortilla strips on top.
Step 6: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and vibrant flavors.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño to the dressing.
Substitute the vegetable oil with olive oil for a richer flavor.
Try adding grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a hearty main dish.
Use store-bought tortilla strips or make your own by frying thinly sliced tortillas until crispy.

Storage

Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, toss the salad with dressing and add fresh tortilla strips and pepitas to maintain their crunch. Reheating is not recommended as the salad is best enjoyed fresh.

How to Serve

A large white bowl filled with a fresh mixed salad, starting with a base layer of chopped green lettuce leaves. Scattered on the lettuce are small crumbles of white cheese and light brown pumpkin seeds. On top, thin orange strips of crispy fried tortilla add texture and color. In the background, there is a small clear bowl of more crispy orange strips, a wooden cutting board with some seeds, and wooden salad utensils resting on a white marbled surface with a partly visible checkered cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Yes, while romaine is traditional for Caesar salads, you can use other sturdy greens like kale or iceberg for a different texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for cojita cheese?

If cojita cheese is unavailable, Queso Fresco is a great alternative, or you can use a mild feta cheese for a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor.