This Mexican Caesar Salad is loaded with classic Mexican ingredients and toppings. It's fresh, light, delicious, and flavorful — this Caesar salad might even taste better than the original!
Serve this Mexican-style Caesar for a filling lunch, as a side salad with dinner on Taco Night or Cinco de Mayo, or anytime that you are craving homemade Mexican food.

Why You'll Love Mexican Caesar Salad
- It’s loaded with plant-based protein. A classic Caesar salad is delicious, but it’s usually not enough to make a whole meal out of it unless you throw in some protein. But with this Mexican Caesar salad, you can upgrade your salad from a side dish to a main dish, thanks to the added protein, fiber, and nutrients from beans, corn, avocado, and more.
- You can make it in five minutes. You know I am all about 30-minute dinners, so it’s no surprise that I’m in love with this 5-minute recipe. This recipe is so quick and easy to make because all you need to do is prep the ingredients and then toss them all together. It's also a great meal prep recipe that you can throw together and toss with dressing when you are ready to eat.
- Mexican-style flavors in a Caesar salad. Caesar dressing brings so much amazing flavor to a salad. You can serve this Mexican salad with classic Caesar salad dressing or mix in a Mexican seasoning blend for added flavor.
Ingredient Notes
To make this delicious Mexican Caesar Salad, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- romaine lettuce
- corn - I cooked frozen corn in boiling water for a few minutes. You can also use slice off freshly cooked kernels from Grilled Corn on the Cob or Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob.
- black beans - you can use black beans cooked from dried beans, or use canned beans.
- avocado
- tortilla strips - Feel free to use store-bought tortilla chips or strips or make your own tortilla strips at home. They are really easy to make in a couple of minutes of prep.
- cilantro
- cojita cheese
- lime wedges - optional, to squeeze in some lime juice when serving.
- Caesar dressing - you can make homemade Caesar salad dressing in just minutes, or use store-bought — what is more convenient! Optionally, you can mix in ¼ teaspoon of a Mexican seasoning into the Caesar salad dressing.
This recipe is also completely customizable. Feel free to add in other vegetables that you have on hand such as cucumbers, shredded, red onions, and/or tomatoes.
How to Make the Best Mexican Caesar Salad
In a large serving bowl, add romaine lettuce, corn, black beans, avocado, tortilla strips, cilantro, and cojita cheese.
Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Optionally, you can mix in ¼ teaspoon of a Mexican seasoning blend into the Caesar salad dressing before pouring it in the salad. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, if needed, and serve with lime wedges on the side.
How to Serve
This Mexican Caesar salad makes a great filling meal, but you can also add in some other ingredients if you desired, such as:
- protein like Mexican Chicken, or Mexican Shrimp.
- fresh veggies like carrots, broccoli, or cauliflower.
- roasted veggies like asparagus or brussels sprouts.
You can also serve this Mexican salad along with other Mexican dishes. I like to pair it with:
- Chicken Tacos
- Vegetarian Quesadillas
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
- Creamy Mexican Corn Soup
- Sheet Pan Nachos
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
Storing Instructions
- Make ahead instructions: To make ahead, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The caesar salad and dressing will each last up to 1 week. Then, toss and combine just before serving or packing for lunch. This will keep your Mexican caesar salad looking and tasting fresh.
- How to store: If you have any leftovers, store this Mexican salad in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container or in a bowl wrapped tightly with plastic cling wrap. Note that the tortilla chips will get soggier the longer it is stored, and the more the romaine lettuce will become wilted.
More Salad Recipes
- 40 Best Salad Recipes
- Mexican Chicken Caesar Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Shrimp Taco Salad
- Beef Taco Salad
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Recipe
Mexican Caesar Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mexican Caesar Salad is loaded with Mexican ingredients. It's fresh, light, delicious, flavorful — and might even taste better than the original!
Ingredients
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup corn, cooked and drained
- 1 cup black beans, cooked and drained
- 1 medium avocado, sliced or cubed
- 1-2 cups tortilla strips (or crumbled tortilla chips)
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup cojita cheese, crumbled
- lime wedges (optional, for serving)
- ½ cup Caesar salad dressing
- ¼ teaspoon Mexican seasoning blend (optional)
Instructions
- In a large serving bowl, add romaine lettuce, corn, black beans, avocado, tortilla strips, cilantro, and cojita cheese.
- Pour Caesar dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Optionally, you can mix in ¼ teaspoon of a Mexican seasoning blend into the Caesar salad dressing before pouring it in the salad.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, if needed, and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
Make ahead instructions: To make ahead, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The caesar salad and dressing will each last up to 1 week. Then, toss and combine just before serving or packing for lunch. This will keep your Mexican caesar salad looking and tasting fresh.
How to store: If you have any leftovers, store this Mexican salad in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container or in a bowl wrapped tightly with plastic cling wrap. Note that the tortilla chips will get soggier the longer it is stored, and the more the romaine lettuce will become wilted.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Mexican
Jenn says
Easy. Refreshing and delicious! Would add more Avocado, just cuz our fam loves it so much ❤️