Elevate your salad game with this Southwestern Caesar Salad with Creamy Chipotle Dressing—a bold and flavor-packed twist on the classic Caesar. Crisp romaine lettuce forms the base, topped with roasted corn, black beans, juicy grape tomatoes, creamy avocado, and crunchy tortilla strips for a delightful mix of textures. The star of the dish is the smoky, tangy dressing made with chipotle pepper, Greek yogurt, and a hint of honey, bringing a zesty southwestern flair to every bite. Finished with a generous sprinkle of crumbly Cotija cheese, this vibrant salad is a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and fresh produce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a must-try for a quick and satisfying meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!
Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and roast for 3–5 minutes until they are slightly charred, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool.
Wash and dry the romaine hearts. Chop them into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
Rinse and halve the grape tomatoes. Dice the avocado. Set both aside for topping the salad.
In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, chipotle pepper, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Add the roasted corn, black beans, grape tomatoes, avocado, and tortilla strips to the bowl of romaine lettuce.
Drizzle the creamy chipotle dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Sprinkle the crumbled Cotija cheese over the top and serve immediately.
Calories |
2688 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 170.6 g | 219% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.4 g | 152% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 170 mg | 57% | |
| Sodium | 3274 mg | 142% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 245.3 g | 89% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 51.9 g | 185% | |
| Total Sugars | 36.9 g | ||
| Protein | 67.7 g | 135% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 1057 mg | 81% | |
| Iron | 19.7 mg | 109% | |
| Potassium | 4908 mg | 104% | |
*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.