Introduction
This delightful salad features a zesty dressing that elevates fresh romaine lettuce, crumbled cotija cheese, and the crunch of tortilla strips. With the added nutrition and flavor of roasted pepitas, this dish becomes an ideal accompaniment to any meal or a standalone choice for a light lunch. The vibrant flavors and textures make it a shining star at any gathering.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Dressing:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1 teaspoon fajita seasoning
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
For the Salad:
– 3 hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco
– 1 cup tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions
1. Prepare the Dressing:
– In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, and fajita seasoning until smooth.
– While continuously whisking, slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
2. Assemble the Salad:
– In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, crumbled cotija cheese, tortilla strips, and roasted pepitas.
– Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
– Toss the salad gently to ensure all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
3. Serve:
– Transfer the salad to serving plates or bowls.
– Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and tortilla strips.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Dressing:
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, and fajita seasoning until smooth. While continuously whisking, slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, crumbled cotija cheese, tortilla strips, and roasted pepitas. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss the salad gently to ensure all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
Serve:
Transfer the salad to serving plates or bowls. Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and tortilla strips.
Notes
Storage:
If you have leftover salad, store the dressing separately from the salad to keep the lettuce crisp.
Customization:
Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins to the salad, such as diced tomatoes, avocado, chicken, or black beans for additional flavor and nutrition.
Homemade Tortilla Strips:
To make homemade tortilla strips, cut corn tortillas into strips, toss them with a bit of oil and salt, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until crispy.
Cook Techniques
Whisking
Whisking is a technique used to combine ingredients smoothly. In this recipe, whisking allows for the emulsification of the dressing, ensuring a creamy and consistent texture.
Drizzling
Drizzling refers to the slow pouring of a liquid while continuously stirring or whisking. This technique is critical when adding vegetable oil to the dressing to create an emulsion that binds the ingredients together.
Tossing
Tossing is the process of gently mixing salad ingredients to coat them with dressing without crushing or damaging the components. This technique preserves the texture and integrity of the lettuce and other salad elements.
FAQ
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be prepared a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a good whisk before using.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise alternative if you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option.
What can I use instead of cotija cheese?
You may substitute cotija cheese with feta cheese or any other crumbly cheese, such as goat cheese, for a different flavor profile.
Are tortilla strips necessary?
While tortilla strips add crunch, you can omit them or replace them with croutons if desired.
How do I make homemade tortilla strips?
To make homemade tortilla strips, cut corn tortillas into strips, toss them in oil, and bake them at 350°F until crispy, about 10-15 minutes.
Conclusion
This creamy dressing paired with the fresh crunch of romaine and savory toppings creates a delightful salad experience. The combination of flavors and textures provides a satisfying dish that can stand alone or serve as a side. Enjoy this vibrant salad that balances richness and freshness perfectly.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Fajita Salad
Add grilled chicken strips marinated in fajita seasoning for a protein-packed salad.
Avocado Addition
Incorporate diced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
Salsa Verde Drizzle
Top the salad with a drizzle of salsa verde for an extra kick of flavor.
Black Bean and Corn Mix
Mix in black beans and corn for added texture and nutrition.
Spicy Jalapeños
Add sliced pickled jalapeños for a spicy twist.
Crispy Bacon Bits
Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for a smoky flavor contrast.
Herbed Variation
Use fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley in the salad for added freshness.
Seasonal Vegetable Medley
Incorporate seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for a colorful touch.
