Homemade Mexican Caesar Salad

The classic Caesar salad gets a fiesta makeover in this vibrant Mexican version. Forget the plain romaine and croutons – we're talking bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a fiesta on your plate. So, grab your sombreros and get ready to say "adios" to boring salads and "hola" to a taste sensation!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup of cooked, rinsed and drained black beans
• 1/2 cup chopped jicama (or cucumber)
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 1/4 cup tortilla strips (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Fiesta Prep: In a large bowl, combine the romaine, black beans, jicama, bell pepper, onion, avocado, cotija cheese, and tortilla strips.
2. Dressing Fiesta: In a blender or food processor, combine all dressing ingredients until smooth.
3. Vamos a Bailar!: Over the salad, drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving)

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 15g

Tips:

• Get creative! Add other toppings like grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu.
• Make it spicy! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño to the dressing.
• Go vegan! Substitute cotija cheese with nutritional yeast or crumbled tofu.
• Leftovers? Store the dressing in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

This Mexican Caesar salad is more than just a salad – it's an explosion of flavor and a fiesta for your senses. So, ditch the boring and embrace the bold! With its fresh ingredients, vibrant dressing, and endless possibilities for customization, this salad is sure to become your new go-to for a healthy and delicious fiesta, right on your plate!