Introduction
Discover a delightful salad that combines fresh ingredients with a zesty dressing, perfect for a light meal or a side dish. This salad features crispy romaine lettuce, creamy cotija cheese, crunchy tortilla strips, and roasted pepitas, all tossed in a flavorful dressing that adds a kick to every bite.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
For the Dressing:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
– 1 teaspoon fajita seasoning
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
For the Salad:
– 2 hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco
– 1/2 cup tortilla strips
– 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: Serves 4
Enjoy this refreshing salad as a side dish to your favorite main course or as a standalone meal packed with nutrients and flavor.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, fresh 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 enjoy the fresh flavors and textures.
Notes
Storage
If not serving immediately, store the dressing separately in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture.
Customization
Feel free to add other ingredients such as diced avocado, tomatoes, or grilled chicken for added flavor and protein.
Serving Size
This salad serves approximately 4 people as a side dish; adjust quantities if serving more.
Cook Techniques
Whisking for Emulsification
To create a smooth and well-combined dressing, whisk together the ingredients vigorously. Start with the thicker components, then gradually add the oil while continuing to whisk, allowing for proper emulsification.
Chopping Lettuce
When chopping romaine lettuce, ensure that the pieces are roughly equal in size for consistent texture and ease of eating. This will also help in better coating with the dressing.
Combining Ingredients
When assembling the salad, layer the ingredients to ensure a good distribution of flavors and textures. Toss gently to maintain the integrity of the ingredients, especially the tortilla strips.
Serving Fresh
Serve the salad immediately after mixing to enjoy the vibrant flavors and crisp textures. Allowing it to sit too long can lead to sogginess.
FAQ
Can I substitute mayonnaise in the dressing?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise alternative for a lighter or vegan option.
How do I make the dressing spicier?
You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the dressing for extra heat.
What can I use instead of cotija cheese?
You can replace cotija cheese with feta cheese or goat cheese for a similar salty and creamy effect.
How do I store leftover salad?
It’s best to store the salad components separately. Keep the dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator and only mix the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing and chop the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it’s recommended to combine them shortly before serving to keep the salad crisp.
Conclusion
This refreshing salad combines the crispness of romaine lettuce with the creaminess of the dressing, enhanced by the delightful crunch of tortilla strips and the nutty flavor of roasted pepitas. The addition of cotija cheese brings a salty richness that complements the various textures and tangy dressing. Perfect for a light meal or as a side dish, this salad is sure to impress.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Grilled Chicken Fajita Salad
Add grilled chicken strips marinated in fajita seasoning to this salad for a protein-packed meal.
Avocado and Black Bean Salad
Incorporate diced avocados and black beans for additional creaminess and fiber, creating a heartier salad.
Spicy Shrimp Salad
Top the salad with spicy grilled shrimp for a zesty seafood twist that elevates the dish.
Cilantro Lime Dressing
Replace the current dressing with a cilantro lime vinaigrette for a lighter, herby flavor that pairs beautifully with the salad.
Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Salad
Mix in cooked quinoa and a variety of roasted vegetables for a wholesome, nutrient-rich option.
