Introduction
Dive into a refreshing and zesty salad that offers a delightful crunch with every bite. This salad is perfect for gatherings or a light meal, bringing together the crisp texture of romaine hearts, the savory notes of cotija cheese, and the satisfying crunch of tortilla strips, all tied together with a flavorful dressing.
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
– 1/2 teaspoon fajita seasoning
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
For the Salad:
– 6 cups chopped romaine hearts
– 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco
– 1 cup fried 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 4-6 people
Directions
1. 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.
2. Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine hearts, crumbled cotija cheese, fried tortilla strips, and roasted pepitas.
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
Toss the salad thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
3. Serve:
Transfer the salad to serving plates or a large serving bowl.
Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the tortilla strips and freshness of the lettuce.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 clove minced garlic, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, and 1/2 teaspoon fajita seasoning until smooth. While continuously whisking, slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup vegetable oil until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine 6 cups chopped romaine hearts, 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese, 1 cup fried tortilla strips, and 1/4 cup roasted pepitas. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss the salad thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
Serve
Transfer the salad to serving plates or a large serving bowl. Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the tortilla strips and freshness of the lettuce.
Notes
Storage
The salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store it, consider keeping the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the crispness of the components.
Ingredient Substitutions
If cotija cheese is unavailable, queso fresco or feta can be used as alternatives. For a gluten-free option, ensure that the tortilla strips are certified gluten-free.
Customization
Feel free to add other ingredients such as diced tomatoes, avocado, or black beans based on your preferences for additional flavor and texture.
Cook techniques
Mixing Ingredients
Whisk the dressing ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth and even consistency. This helps blend the flavors effectively.
Emulsifying
While whisking the dressing, slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil. This technique creates an emulsion, which makes the dressing creamy and prevents it from separating.
Tossing the Salad
Combine the salad ingredients in a large bowl, then gently toss them with the dressing. This technique ensures that every ingredient is evenly coated without bruising the greens.
Plating the Salad
When serving, transfer the salad to individual plates or a large serving bowl. This presentation enhances the visual appeal and makes it easier for guests to serve themselves.
FAQ
Can I substitute mayonnaise in the dressing?
Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option or use a vegan mayonnaise if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative.
What can I use instead of cotija cheese?
If you don’t have cotija cheese, queso fresco or feta cheese can be used as a substitute, giving a similar taste and texture.
How do I keep the tortilla strips crispy?
To maintain the crispness of the tortilla strips, add them to the salad just before serving, preventing them from becoming soggy.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving for optimal freshness and crunch.
What other toppings can I add to the salad?
You can add additional toppings like avocado, black beans, corn, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
This vibrant salad combines the creamy, zesty dressing with the crunch of tortilla strips and the richness of cotija cheese, making it a delightful choice for any meal. The addition of roasted pepitas adds a nutty flavor and texture that complements the fresh romaine. Enjoy this salad as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Southwestern Chicken Salad
Add grilled chicken breast to the salad for a hearty protein boost and enhance the Southwestern flavors with additional black beans and corn.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Incorporate fresh corn, grilled and cut off the cob, along with additional spices like chili powder for a street-food-inspired twist.
Taco Salad
Mix in ground beef or turkey seasoned with taco spices, and top with diced tomatoes, avocado, and a sprinkle of cilantro for a complete meal.
Avocado Lime Dressing Option
Replace the mayonnaise with mashed avocado blended with lime juice, garlic, and a little water for a lighter dressing variant.
Crunchy Veggie Spinach Salad
Swap romaine for spinach and toss in a variety of colorful veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and radishes, using the same dressing for a fresh take.
