What is in Mexican Caesar dressing?

Mexican Caesar dressing blends the richness of traditional Caesar with bold Southwestern flavors. The key ingredients include fresh lime juice, olive oil, garlic, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, cilantro, and a hint of mayonnaise as an egg substitute. Unlike the classic, there’s no anchovy—Worcestershire gives enough umami. The cilantro and lime inject brightness, while black pepper and a splash of milk balance sharpness with creaminess.

Why is it called Caesar salad dressing?

The original Caesar salad was created by Caesar Cardini, an Italian-American restaurateur in Tijuana, Mexico, in the 1920s. It wasn’t named after Julius Caesar. His version used whole romaine leaves, a rich dressing made with coddled eggs, lemon, garlic, Worcestershire, and parmesan. Over time, the recipe evolved and inspired numerous adaptations—like this Fiesta Mexican Caesar Salad with Cilantro-Lime Caesar Dressing , which pays homage by keeping the spirit but refreshing the taste for modern palates.

How to make a Caesar dressing?

To create a fresh Caesar-style dressing at home, you need a creamy base, a bold acidic component, garlic, and umami depth. In this Mexican version, you’ll blend olive oil , mayonnaise , lime juice , mustard powder , Worcestershire sauce , milk , cilantro , and garlic until smooth. A high-speed blender helps emulsify the oil with the liquids to create a velvety consistency. You can experiment by adjusting lime to taste or adding spice for a fiery twist.

What makes this version stand out?

This salad is more than just a remix—it’s a fusion dish that respects the roots of Caesar while embracing fresh, vibrant Mexican flavors . It’s perfect for those who love bold food but want something wholesome, colorful, and creative. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, uses no raw egg, and delivers restaurant-level flavor at home.

Fiesta Mexican Caesar Salad with Cilantro-Lime Caesar Dressing

Description

Fiesta Mexican Caesar Salad with Cilantro-Lime Caesar Dressing is bold, creamy, and zesty—perfect for vibrant meals and modern palates.

Ingredients

For the Salad:
- 1 to 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 to 2 large avocados, diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for garnish)
- Tortilla strips (homemade instructions below)
For the Cilantro-Lime Caesar Dressing:
- 1 cup olive oil (light tasting preferred)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (as egg substitute)
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (leaves and tender stems)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Homemade Tortilla Strips:
- 3 corn tortillas
- Cooking spray
- Flaky sea salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Tortilla Strips:Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Cut each tortilla in half, then slice into strips.Place strips on the sheet, spray lightly with cooking spray, and toss to coat.Spread in a single layer and sprinkle with salt.Bake for 10 minutes, then check and bake another 5-10 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool completely.Make the Dressing:Combine olive oil, mayonnaise, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, milk, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper in a blender.Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust lime juice to taste. Chill until ready to use.Assemble the Salad:In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and cotija cheese.Drizzle desired amount of dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.Top with crispy tortilla strips and serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Seasonal and Holiday Salads
Method: Tossed
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired