Easy Mexican Caesar Salad Recipe (With Creamy Lime Dressing)

This quick Mexican Caesar salad recipe is perfect as a side for tacos, grilled chicken, or even on its own for a light dinner. Our daughter always requests it as soon as spring arrives. She loves the sweet corn in it, and says it "tastes like street corn."

For more Cinco de Mayo recipes, try my Mexican Fruit Salad and Mango Pineapple Habanero Salsa. They’re just as fresh and easy to share. Now, let's toss some salad!

This Mexican Caesar salad is creamy, crunchy, and full of bold flavors! It’s one of our favorite recipes for easy weeknight dinners and springtime gatherings.

Quick assembly: It's ready in just 20 minutes.

No raw eggs: Unlike traditional Caesar dressings, my recipe doesn't contain eggs at all.

Mexican twist: Tortilla strips, cotija cheese, corn, and chipotle powder turn this salad into a flavorful fiesta.

Versatile: Add protein, use more toppings, or make it vegan.

This easy Mexican Caesar salad with homemade dressing uses fresh ingredients for the crunchiest bite! Scroll to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full recipe with ingredient amounts.

• Crisp romaine lettuce: This is the classic lettuce type for Caesar salad, so I don't recommend switching it. You can also use romaine hearts.
• Tortilla strips: Use homemade or store-bought. Roughly chopped tortilla chips work too.
• Cotija cheese: It has a very strong, savory taste. Queso fresco is a milder alternative.
• Corn kernels: Feel free to use fresh, frozen, or even canned (rinsed and drained).
• Mayonnaise: I prefer full-fat for a richer dressing, but low-fat can be used.
• Fresh lime juice: Fresh lemon juice is a good swap.
• Dijon mustard: It adds depth. Avoid American yellow mustard since they're very different.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and smokiness. You can skip it if you're not a fan.
• Fresh garlic: Don't use garlic powder or granules because it can make the dressing gritty.
• Anchovy paste: Adds the classic Caesar salad flavor, but you can omit it.
• Chipotle chili powder: Ancho chili powder or smoked paprika work too.
• Salt & black pepper: I prefer kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

See recipe card for quantities.

This sweet-and-smoky Mexican Caesar salad is a no-fuss side (or main)! It might become your new favorite way to make this classic salad.

1. Step 1: Add the chopped romaine lettuce to a large salad bowl and set aside.

2. Step 2: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the corn kernels and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, anchovy paste, and chipotle chili powder. Gradually add water, mixing until the dressing is smooth and pourable. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or extra lime juice if needed.

4. Step 4: Drizzle about half of the dressing over the lettuce and toss gently to coat. Add the charred corn and crumbled Cotija cheese, then toss again until combined. Top with tortilla strips and finish with the remaining dressing, if desired.

This crisp Mexican Caesar salad with charred corn is easy to customize! Try these yummy twists depending on who's coming over for dinner:

Avocado Caesar salad: Add ½ sliced avocado for extra creaminess. Chopped avocado works too. Toss it in lemon juice to prevent it from browning.

Add protein: ½-1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken or diced grilled chicken turn this salad into a heartier meal. For plant-based protein, try black beans or chickpeas.

Make it spicy: Sprinkle the salad with ⅛-1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a kick of heat. My husband loves to add Tabasco sauce. Both options work.

Make it vegan: Skip the anchovy paste and use plant-based Dijon mustard and cheese.

More toppings: Bacon bits, crunchy croutons, and crunchy pepitas are great ways to add more flavor and texture.

This crunchy Mexican-style salad with creamy dressing is a fresh side for any meal! Here are our favorite ways to enjoy it:

• With grilled chicken, steak, or fish tacos.
• Bring to backyard BBQs along with my Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad or Corn Black Bean & Feta Dip.
• Pair with my Oven Shrimp Skewers or rotisserie chicken for a quick lunch.
• Add to my Cinco de Mayo menu along with my Mexican Street Corn Guacamole and Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad.
• Enjoy as a light lunch with crusty bread.

This salad is best fresh but keeps short-term! Here’s how to store this side dish:

Refrigerator

In an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Keep the dressing and crispy tortilla strips separate to maintain crispness.

These simple tips and tricks ensure your Mexican-inspired Caesar salad is perfect every time. No soggy lettuce or watery dressing:

Dry the lettuce well: For best texture, wash and dry the romaine thoroughly. Excess water will dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy.

Hold the tortilla strips: Add them just before serving to keep them crisp. If added too early, they will soften from the dressing.

Add dressing gradually: You may not need all of it. Caesar salad should be lightly coated, not drenched.

Swap the cheese: Cotija gives a more authentic Mexican touch, but freshly grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta works well if cotija is unavailable.

Watch the anchovy paste: If using anchovy paste for the first time, start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste. It should add depth, not a fishy flavor.

Char the corn more: It's okay to char the corn for 1-2 extra minutes to get a stronger char on them as long as the kernels are not burning or drying out. If they start to wrinkle, you over-cooked them.

Here’s what other home cooks and Cinco de Mayo hosts are asking about this Mexican Caesar salad with charred corn!

Yes! The dressing will have a milder flavor, but will be just as yummy.

Yes! Use it instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.

Absolutely! Sliced avocado, bacon bits, and toasty croutons are some of our favorites.

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

The Best Mexican Fruit Salad With Tajin Seasoning

Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad (Easy Salad with Yogurt Dressing)

Easy Roasted Red Bell Pepper and Chickpea Salad Recipe

Easy Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Feta & Balsamic Vinaigrette

These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:

Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta (Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipe)

Easy Baked Chicken Orzo (A One-Pan Dinner Recipe)

The Best Beef And Barley Stew (Comforting One-Pot Recipe)

Easy Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Soup Recipe

This easy Mexican Caesar salad is our favorite way to load up on salad but with a spicy-tangy twist for Cinco de Mayo! Share your creations on Instagram with @HungryWhisk, and don’t forget to subscribe for more salad recipes and recipe cards!