Get ready to transform your ordinary Caesar salad into a flavor-packed Tex-Mex sensation that'll have everyone asking for seconds! This isn't just another boring salad – it's a culinary adventure that combines the classic Caesar's creamy richness with bold Mexican-inspired ingredients. Imagine crisp romaine lettuce draped in a smoky chipotle dressing, topped with crunchy homemade croutons that pack a spicy punch, and loaded with creamy avocado and tangy queso fresco. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or just treat yourself to an extraordinary meal, this Tex-Mex Caesar Salad is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup chipotle Caesar dressing
- 1/2 cup tortilla strips
- 1/4 cup queso fresco, crumbled
- 1/4 cup black beans, rinsed
- 1 avocado, diced
Instructions
- Prepare the lettuce by washing the romaine head thoroughly. Pat dry with paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for even dressing distribution.
- Rinse the black beans under cold water and drain completely. Set aside to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
- Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and dice into small, uniform cubes. To prevent browning, toss gently with a small amount of lime juice.
- For the chipotle croutons, cut day-old bread into small cubes. Toss with olive oil, chipotle powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- In a large salad bowl, place the chopped romaine lettuce as the base. Drizzle with chipotle Caesar dressing, ensuring even coverage.
- Layer the salad with black beans, diced avocado, and crumbled queso fresco. Sprinkle toasted chipotle croutons on top.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the croutons and lettuce. Optionally, garnish with additional cilantro or a lime wedge for extra flavor.
Tips
- Crouton Crispiness is Key: Use day-old bread for the best texture, and make sure to cut cubes evenly for uniform toasting.
- Avocado Hack: Prevent browning by tossing diced avocado with a splash of lime juice – it adds flavor and keeps your avocado looking fresh.
- Dressing Distribution: Drizzle the chipotle Caesar dressing gradually and toss gently to ensure every leaf gets perfectly coated.
- Serve Immediately: For maximum crunch, assemble the salad just before serving to keep the croutons crisp and lettuce fresh.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or swap queso fresco with cotija cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Ahead: Chop ingredients and make croutons in advance to make final assembly a breeze.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
