The first time I tried Houston’s Southwest Caesar Salad, I knew this wasn’t your average restaurant side dish. The bright, spicy dressing combined with the satisfying crunch of tortilla strips and the subtle sweetness of roasted corn created an explosion of flavor that immediately made me want to recreate it at home. After several test batches (and happy taste-testers!), I’m excited to share this copycat recipe that brings the restaurant experience straight to your dining table.
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What makes a Southwest Caesar Salad so good?
Caesar Salads don’t have to be stodgy and dull. This Southwest Caesar Salad is full of flavor thanks to the roasted corn, black beans, and cojita cheese. But the homemade Spicy Caesar Dressing takes this salad from ordinary to extraordinary.
The reimagined traditional Caesar dressing incorporates fresh citrus juice and chili paste for a bright and spicy flavor that goes great with the Southwest-inspired ingredients!
Why you’ll love this Southwest Caesar Salad recipe
Making salads at home is great because it’s simple, and there are so many ways to customize them to suit your tastes. Do you need a little more protein, or maybe you want to turn the salad into a main course? Then add a few pieces of grilled or sauteed chicken on top and serve it as a Southwest Caesar Salad with chicken. It will satisfy the heartiest appetites, and you can still eat healthy.
Southwest Caesar Salad ingredients
For the Spicy Caesar Salad Dressing:
- Egg yolk – Creates the rich, creamy base for the dressing and helps emulsify the oils
- Garlic – Adds essential pungent flavor that defines a Caesar dressing
- Dijon mustard – Works as an emulsifier and adds tangy depth
- Anchovy fillets – Provides the umami foundation that gives Caesar dressing its distinctive savory quality
- Black pepper – Adds subtle heat and complexity
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the dressing
- Ground coriander – Introduces a subtle citrusy, floral note that complements the Southwest theme
- Ground cumin – Adds earthy, warm flavor characteristic of Southwest cuisine
- Worcestershire sauce – Contributes depth with its fermented umami qualities
- Cold water – Helps create the proper consistency and aids emulsification
- Extra-virgin olive oil – Provides fruity notes and richness
- Canola oil – Creates a milder base that lets other flavors shine
- Sambal chili paste – Adds the signature spicy kick that makes this dressing special
- Fresh lemon juice – Brightens the dressing with acidity and fresh citrus notes
- Fresh lime juice – Adds a distinctive tang that enhances the Southwest profile
- Parmesan cheese – Contributes saltiness and umami while thickening the dressing
Sambal is an Indonesian and Malaysian chili paste that adds flavor and mild heat. You can find it online, but you can substitute the more common Thai chili paste if you can’t get it at your local supermarket.
Fresh citrus juice will really make this dressing shine, but you can also use bottled juice if you prefer.
For the salad, you’ll need:
- Romaine lettuce – Provides the crisp, crunchy foundation for the salad
- Roasted corn kernels – Adds sweet, smoky flavor and pleasant textural contrast
- Black beans – Contributes earthy flavor, protein, and fiber
- Cotija cheese – Delivers a salty, crumbly texture similar to feta but with authentic Mexican flair
- Pumpkin seeds – Adds nutty flavor and satisfying crunch
- Tortilla strips – Create the essential crispy element that finishes the salad
If you want to take the roasted corn to a new level of yum, try making Chili’s Roasted Street Corn! Multicolored tortilla strips look cool but are harder to find than natural-colored strips. Both varieties taste the same, so go for the ones you prefer.
How to make a Southwest Caesar Salad
To prepare the Spicy Caesar Salad Dressing:
- In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together the egg yolk, garlic, Dijon mustard, anchovy fillets, freshly ground black pepper, salt, ground coriander, ground cumin, Worcestershire sauce, and cold water.
- Stir together the extra-virgin olive oil and the canola oil in a mixing bowl with a spout.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the oil. The dressing will start to thicken. Turn off the food processor.
- Add the samba, fresh citrus juices, and parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the dressing into a container with a lid and place it in the fridge until needed.
To make this Southwest Caesar Salad recipe:
- Cut or tear the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- Rinse the lettuce and spin it dry. Place the lettuce in a large mixing bowl.
- Add a few tablespoons of the Spicy Caesar Salad Dressing to the bowl and toss to coat the lettuce in the dressing.
- Add the black beans and roasted corn kernels and toss again. Add more dressing if needed.
- Plate the salad and top it with some crumbled cojita cheese and pumpkin seeds. Garnish with tortilla chips.
What to serve it with
If you are making this Southwest Caesar Salad recipe for a main course, try adding a few sides and toppings to make it more filling. Here are a few suggestions:
Parmesean Garlic Bread. Warm, cheesy, and loaded with garlic, Parmesean Garlic Bread is a great side. This easy-to-make recipe also goes with pasta, mussels, soup, and more!
Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders. Turn this salad into Southwest Caesar Salad with Chicken with this simple yet delicious recipe for Grilled Chicken Tenders. These tenders are juicy with a touch of acidity, making them a perfect add-on.
Sopapillas. Why not top off your meal with a couple of sweet Sopapillas? These Mexican-style doughnuts are great with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a light drizzle of honey.
How to store the leftovers
For the best texture and taste, prep the salad ingredients right before using them. The salad dressing can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge.
Try to finish any dressed salads, but you can store a partially eaten salad in the fridge.
How long will the salad and dressing last?
Properly stored, the dressing should stay fresh for about three days. Leftover dressed salad should be eaten within a few hours before it becomes soggy.
More Houston’s copycat recipes
- Baked Potato Soup
- Buttermilk Garlic Salad Dressing
- Canadian Cheese Soup
- Coleslaw
- Honey Mustard Dip and Dressing
Favorite salad recipes
- BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad
- California Chicken Salad
- CPK Italian Chopped Salad
- Dorito Taco Salad
- Frito Taco Salad
- Mandarin Orange Salad with Chicken
- Panera Greek Salad
- Pasta House Salad
Check out more of my easy salad recipes and the best copycat restaurant recipes on CopyKat!
Houston’s Southwest Caesar Salad
Ingredients
- 2 Heads romaine lettuce washed and torn into 1 1/2 x 1 inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups Spicy Caesar Dressing (recipe follows)
- 3/4 cup roasted corn kernels
- 3/4 cup black beans
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup tortilla chips Julianned, and multi colored
Spicy Caesar Salad Dressing
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 ounce anchovy fillets
- 1 1/2 teaspons black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons cold water
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Sambal chili paste (Thai Chili Paste)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 3 tablespoons Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Spin or pat dry lettuce and place in large salad bowl. Add dressing and toss lightly. Add beans and corn; toss again. Divide mixture among 4 chilled plates. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and cheese. Garnish with tortilla chips. For salad dressing Combine yolk, garlic, mustard, anchovies, pepper, salt, coriander, cumin, Worcestershire & water in food processor; process until smooth. With motor running, pour oils in a slow, steady stream into egg mixture. When all oil has been incorporated, add chili paste, lemon & lime juices, and Parmesan; process until smooth.
Jeanneedison
Great salad!! Had it for dinner tonight. The combo of ingreds go so well in a cesar!! I couldn’t taste the spices in the dressing very well, will probably increase the amount next time.