The Houstonian’s Southwest Caesar Salad
This Southwest Caesar Salad is a unique and flavorful twist on the classic Caesar salad, popular at the renowned Houstonian Hotel. With a combination of black beans, corn, and tangy cheese, this salad is a perfect addition to your meal lineup for any occasion, whether it’s a quick brunch or a crowd-pleasing dinner. The rich, creamy dressing, made with Dijon mustard, anchovies, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of oils, perfectly complements the fresh vegetables and hearty beans. The crunchy tortilla chips add an irresistible texture, making this salad as satisfying as it is delicious.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Romaine lettuce | 2 heads |
| Black beans | 3/4 cup |
| Corn kernels | 3/4 cup |
| Cotija cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Queso fresco | 1/2 cup |
| Tortilla chips | 1 cup |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tbsp |
| Anchovy fillets | 2 |
| Fresh coarse ground black pepper | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Ground coriander | 1/2 tsp |
| Ground cumin | 1/2 tsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1/2 cup |
| Canola oil | 1/2 cup |
| Lime, juice of | 1 |
| Parmesan cheese | 3 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 826.6 kcal |
| Total Fat | 71.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 63.8 mg |
| Sodium | 536.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 36.4 g |
| Fiber | 12.3 g |
| Sugars | 5.2 g |
| Protein | 20.1 g |
Preparation Time
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | None |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dressing:
- Begin by making the dressing first. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the egg yolk, garlic, Dijon mustard, anchovy fillets, black pepper, salt, ground coriander, ground cumin, Worcestershire sauce, and water.
- Process the ingredients until smooth.
- With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil and canola oil in a steady stream. Allow each addition of oil to fully incorporate into the mixture before adding more.
- Once all the oil has been added, include the chili paste, lime juice, and Parmesan cheese. Continue processing until the dressing is smooth and well-blended.
-
Prepare the Salad:
- While the dressing is being prepared, wash and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly. Either spin it dry in a salad spinner or gently pat it with paper towels.
- Place the lettuce in a large salad bowl.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the lettuce and toss lightly to coat evenly.
-
Assemble the Salad:
- Add the black beans and corn kernels to the lettuce and toss again to combine all the ingredients.
- Divide the salad mixture among four chilled salad plates for an extra refreshing touch.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle each serving with pumpkin seeds and the cotija cheese and queso fresco for a delightful burst of flavor.
- Finally, garnish the salad with crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
-
Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious Southwest flavors that blend seamlessly with the creamy Caesar dressing!
This vibrant and satisfying Southwest Caesar Salad is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with flavors and textures that will delight anyone at your table. The combination of creamy, tangy dressing with hearty beans and fresh corn gives a southwestern flair that elevates the traditional Caesar salad. Perfect for a light lunch, a hearty side dish, or even a main course, this salad will definitely become a crowd favorite.
