Blackened Mexican Caesar Salad Recipe

Elevate your salad game with this bold and flavorful Blackened Mexican Caesar Salad recipe! Juicy blackened chicken, seasoned with smoky spices and seared to perfection, is paired with crisp romaine lettuce, creamy avocado, and a tangy cilantro-lime Caesar dressing that’s anything but ordinary. A sprinkle of grated cotija cheese and crunchy tortilla strips add texture and a dose of authentic Mexican flair, while optional diced jalapeños bring just the right amount of heat. Ready in just 30 minutes, this vibrant salad is the perfect fusion of classic and modern flavors, making it an irresistible choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping lunch.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons Blackening seasoning
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 heads Romaine lettuce
• 1 piece Avocado
• 0.5 cup Grated cotija cheese (or parmesan)
• 1 cup Tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 piece Jalapeño (optional, finely diced)
• 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons Cilantro, chopped
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Anchovy paste
• 0.5 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Rub the chicken breasts with blackening seasoning on both sides to ensure even coating.

Step 3

Add olive oil to the hot skillet, then add the chicken. Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side or until the chicken is blackened and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Set aside to rest.

Step 4

While the chicken rests, prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, anchovy paste, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5

Chop the romaine lettuce and arrange it in a large serving bowl.

Step 6

Slice the avocado and add it to the salad along with grated cotija cheese, tortilla strips, and diced jalapeño, if using.

Step 7

Slice the blackened chicken into strips and place it on top of the salad.

Step 8

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1972.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2720.5

Total Fat 190.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 34.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.5g
Cholesterol 377.3mg	0%
Sodium 4744.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 159.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.5g	0%
Total Sugars 11.6g
Protein 110.7g	0%

Vitamin D 12IU	0%
Calcium 1003.1mg	0%
Iron 16.3mg	0%
Potassium 4097.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.3%

Protein: 15.8%

Carbs: 22.8%