New Mexican Caesar Salad

Ingredients

The New Mexican Caesar Salad differs from the original American version by incorporating traditional New Mexican ingredients and flavors. We have replaced the traditional Caesar dressing with a spicy chipotle dressing, added roasted corn for a smoky sweetness, and garnished the salad with crispy tortilla strips for a crunchy texture. We alse have the original recipe for Caesar Salad, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) romaine lettuce, chopped 2 cups (470ml) romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup (240ml) cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup (240ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup (120ml) roasted corn kernels 1/2 cup (120ml) roasted corn kernels
• 1/4 cup (60ml) red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup (60ml) red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) cotija cheese, crumbled 1/4 cup (60ml) cotija cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup (60ml) tortilla strips, crispy 1/4 cup (60ml) tortilla strips, crispy
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh cilantro, chopped
• For the chipotle dressing: For the chipotle dressing:
• 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced 1 tablespoon (15ml) chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, roasted corn, red onion, and cotija cheese.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, minced chipotle peppers, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to make the chipotle dressing.
3. 3.
   Pour the chipotle dressing over the salad and toss until well coated.
4. 4.
   Divide the salad into individual serving plates and garnish with crispy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro.
5. 5.
   Serve immediately and enjoy the spicy and refreshing flavors of the New Mexican Caesar Salad.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Romaine lettuce — Make sure to wash and dry the lettuce thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce — Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers according to your desired level of spiciness.
• Cotija cheese — If cotija cheese is not available, you can substitute it with feta cheese for a similar salty flavor.
• Tortilla strips — To make crispy tortilla strips, cut corn tortillas into thin strips and fry them in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
• Lime juice — Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of New Mexican red chili powder to the chipotle dressing.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the chipotle peppers before mincing them.
• To make the salad more substantial, add grilled chicken or shrimp on top.
• Serve the salad with a side of warm corn tortillas for a complete New Mexican meal.
• If you can't find roasted corn, you can use canned corn or grill fresh corn on the cob and cut off the kernels.

Serving advice

Serve the New Mexican Caesar Salad as a refreshing appetizer or as a light lunch. Pair it with a side of warm corn tortillas or crusty bread to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the salad on a large platter, placing the tortilla strips on top for an attractive presentation. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro for a pop of color.