Puerto Rican Caesar Salad

Ingredients

While the original Caesar Salad is known for its creamy dressing and croutons, the Puerto Rican version adds a tropical twist. We incorporate local ingredients such as ripe avocados, sweet plantains, and tangy tropical fruits to elevate the flavors and give it a distinct Puerto Rican flair. We alse have the original recipe for Caesar Salad, so you can check it out.

• 2 hearts of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces 2 hearts of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1 ripe mango, diced 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup sweet plantains, sliced and fried 1 cup sweet plantains, sliced and fried
• 1/2 cup queso fresco, crumbled 1/2 cup queso fresco, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup roasted cashews, chopped 1/4 cup roasted cashews, chopped
• For the dressing: For the dressing:
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 anchovy fillets, minced 2 anchovy fillets, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 8g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large salad bowl, combine the torn romaine lettuce, avocado slices, diced mango, cherry tomatoes, fried sweet plantains, crumbled queso fresco, cilantro leaves, and chopped cashews.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, minced anchovy fillets, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
4. 4.
   Serve the Puerto Rican Caesar Salad immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Avocado — Choose ripe avocados that are slightly soft to the touch. Slice them just before serving to prevent browning.
• Sweet plantains — Look for ripe plantains with yellow skin. Slice them into thin rounds and fry until golden brown for a sweet and crispy addition to the salad.
• Mango — Use ripe mangoes for a burst of tropical sweetness. Dice them into small pieces for easy mixing with the other ingredients.
• Queso fresco — Crumble the queso fresco just before adding it to the salad to maintain its texture and freshness.
• Cashews — Roast the cashews in a dry skillet over medium heat until lightly golden before chopping them. This enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the dressing.
• If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise.
• To make it a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad.
• Experiment with different tropical fruits such as papaya or pineapple for added variety.
• Serve the salad with a side of toasted garlic bread for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Puerto Rican Caesar Salad as a refreshing appetizer or as a light lunch. It pairs well with grilled meats or seafood dishes. Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves for an extra touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the salad ingredients in a colorful and appealing way. Place the avocado slices, mango cubes, and cherry tomatoes on top of the romaine lettuce bed. Sprinkle the fried sweet plantains, crumbled queso fresco, cilantro leaves, and chopped cashews over the salad for a vibrant and enticing presentation.