Best 2 The Houstonians Southwest Caesar Salad Recipes

Indulge in a culinary journey with The Houstonians' Southwest Caesar Salad, a tantalizing fusion of classic flavors and a Southwestern twist. This delectable dish offers a unique blend of textures and tastes, featuring crispy romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing infused with the vibrant flavors of cumin, chili powder, and a hint of cayenne. Grilled chicken or shrimp add a savory protein element, while crunchy tortilla strips, crumbled cotija cheese, and a sprinkling of fresh cilantro bring a delightful textural contrast. Discover the perfect balance of zest and richness in this Southwest Caesar Salad, a dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

THE BEST CAESAR SALAD

The Best Caesar Salad image

It should not come as a surprise that the best Caesar salad is also the most traditional version. That means it's time to bring out the anchovies and eggs -- and don't skimp on quality Parmesan cheese. We've even included garlicky homemade croutons to balance the tangy dressing.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, crushed
Kosher salt
3 cups rustic bread (about 3 ounces), torn into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
Freshly ground black pepper
2 anchovies packed in oil
1 clove garlic
1 egg yolk, at room temperature
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, at room temperature
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
5 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 romaine hearts, chopped (see Cook's Note)

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
For the croutons: Put the olive oil and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. When the butter is completely melted add the garlic and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Carefully swirl the pan to combine. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the garlic to infuse the oil mixture.
Put the bread pieces on a baking sheet. Evenly pour the garlic mixture over the bread and toss to coat. Spread the bread in a single layer and bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the bread halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with black pepper and Parmesan. Set aside to cool.
For the salad: Soak the anchovies in a small bowl of water for 5 minutes. Rinse with cold water, drain and pat dry. Finely chop the anchovies and garlic, then use the side of your knife to mash them to a paste.
Add the anchovy paste, egg yolk, Dijon mustard and lemon juice to a large bowl and whisk to combine. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil in a steady stream until emulsified. Stir in 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan. If needed, add water, 1 teaspoon at a time to thin the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the lettuce and croutons to a large bowl and gently toss with the dressing until coated. Top with grated Parmesan and serve immediately.

SOUTHWESTERN CAESAR SALAD

Southwestern Caesar Salad image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories main-dish

Time 5m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

3 hearts romaine lettuce, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon prepared Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Blue corn, black bean or other tortilla chips, for garnish
1/4 cup smoked cheddar and 1/4 cup pepper Jack, for garnish, optional

Steps:

Chop and place romaine in a large salad bowl. Whisk together garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and chili powder in a small bowl. Continue whisking while streaming in extra-virgin olive oil. When dressing is combined, toss Romaine salad with dressing and garnish salad with broken tortilla chips, smoked cheddar and pepper Jack cheese. Season with salt and pepper and toss again, then serve.
Yield: Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: none Ease of preparation: easy

Tips:

For a creamy Caesar dressing, use full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream. If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can use Greek yogurt or low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Pre-grated Parmesan cheese often contains additives and preservatives that can dull the flavor.
To make the croutons, use a hearty bread such as French bread or sourdough. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Bake the croutons at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
If you don't have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Just be sure to cook the chicken until it is cooked through, or at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
To make the salad, simply toss the lettuce, chicken, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and dressing together. You can also add other toppings, such as avocado, bacon, or hard-boiled eggs.

Conclusion:

The Southwest Caesar salad is a delicious and easy-to-make salad that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to use up leftover chicken, and it is also a healthy and satisfying meal. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy lunch or a hearty and flavorful dinner, the Southwest Caesar salad is a great choice.