Tex-Mex Chicken Caesar Salad: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

A creamy, smoky dressing and crunchy tortilla bits turn greens into a satisfying meal.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 18, 2025

A creamy, smoky dressing and crunchy tortilla bits turn greens into a satisfying meal.

If you love a salad that packs a punch and can double as the main event of your meal, look no further than Tex-Mex Chicken Caesar Salad. This recipe takes the timeless appeal of Caesar salad—crisp romaine, creamy dressing, Parmesan cheese—and reimagines it with a bold, smoky chipotle twist, juicy rotisserie chicken, creamy avocado, and the irresistible crunch of tortilla chips. Best of all, it’s customizable, quick to assemble, and perfect for any weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.

Why This Salad Works

This isn’t your average Caesar. The classic flavors are given a Tex-Mex spin, courtesy of a chipotle-infused Caesar dressing and Tex-Mex-inspired add-ins. The result is a salad that’s filling, colorful, and brimming with bright Southwest flair.

Big on Flavor: Smoky chipotle, zesty lime, sharp cheese, and fresh cilantro make every bite vibrant and memorable.
Total Meal: With rotisserie chicken and avocado, this Caesar eats like an entrée—not a side.
Customizable: Swap proteins, add veggies, and control the spice level to make it your own!
No Oven Required: Using rotisserie chicken and prepped ingredients keeps prep easy and kitchen cool—perfect for summer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 canned chipotle chile in adobo, chopped, plus 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
Juice of 1 lime, plus lime wedges for serving
2 romaine lettuce hearts, chopped (about 10 cups)
2 medium avocados, diced
2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, chopped or shredded
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 4 ounces)
1 cup crushed tortilla chips, plus extra for topping
1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus more for garnish

Ingredient Notes

You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or substitute grilled or roasted chicken breast—or even steak or shrimp for a different spin.
Chipotle chiles in adobo deliver the key smoky heat; add more or less to preference.
Monterey Jack adds Tex-Mex creaminess, but you can also use cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend.
Romaine hearts hold up best to the creamy, robust dressing.

How to Make Tex-Mex Chicken Caesar Salad

Step 1: Make the Chipotle Caesar Dressing

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, finely chopped garlic, chopped chipotle chile, adobo sauce, and lime juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings—add more chipotle for extra heat or more lime for tang.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

Add chopped romaine, diced avocado, shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and chopped cilantro to a large salad bowl.

Step 3: Toss With Dressing

Drizzle the chipotle Caesar dressing over the salad. Using tongs, toss well to coat every ingredient in the creamy, flavorful dressing.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Divide the salad into serving bowls.
Top each serving with a little more cilantro, a final sprinkle of tortilla chips for crunch, and lime wedges for squeezing.

Make It Your Own: Variations & Add-Ons

This Tex-Mex Chicken Caesar Salad is endlessly adaptable. Customize the recipe based on what’s in your fridge, your taste preferences, or the season. Here are some irresistible ideas:

Swap the Protein: Try grilled shrimp, steak strips, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Add More Veggies: Black beans, roasted corn, pickled onions, cherry tomatoes, or sliced radishes add extra texture and flavor.
Cheese Options: Substitute cotija, cheddar, or pepper jack for the Monterey Jack.
Crouton Twist: Use roasted tortilla strips or chili-dusted croutons instead of plain chips for extra kick.
Heat Level: Add a dash of hot sauce or use more chipotle chile if you love it spicy.

Pro Tips for Salad Success

Prep Ahead: Make the chipotle Caesar dressing and prep all ingredients in advance. Store separately and assemble right before serving for the freshest texture and flavor.
Keep It Crunchy: Add tortilla chips and toss just before eating so they don’t get soggy.
Rotisserie Shortcuts: Buying a rotisserie chicken saves time and adds rich flavor, but any cooked chicken breast or thigh works well.
Adjust Serving Size: This recipe easily scales up or down for a single serving or a crowd.

Serving Suggestions

Lunch or Dinner: Serve in large salad bowls as a hearty main dish for family dinners, picnics, or potlucks.
Wrap it Up: Spoon the salad into flour tortillas or large lettuce wraps for a Tex-Mex Caesar wrap—perfect for meal prep or packed lunches.
Add Sides: Pair the salad with grilled corn, fresh salsa, or Mexican rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition Highlights

Component	Benefit
Chicken	High-quality protein, helps keep you full
Romaine Lettuce	Crisp texture, vitamins A and K
Avocado	Healthy fats, potassium, creamy texture
Cilantro	Fresh flavor, antioxidants
Tortilla Chips	Crunchy contrast, Tex-Mex flair
Chipotle Dressing	Flavor boost, customizable spice

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How spicy is the chipotle dressing?

A: The chipotle adds a medium smoky heat, but you’re in control. Adjust the amount of chipotle chile or adobo to suit your taste. For a milder version, use less chile; for more heat, add another half pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

Q: Can I make the salad ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can prep the dressing and all salad ingredients up to a day ahead. Store each component separately (especially the tortilla chips and avocado). Toss everything together and add chips and avocado just before serving to keep things crisp and fresh.

Q: Is there a vegetarian version?

A: Absolutely. Omit the chicken and add black beans or grilled tofu. You’ll still get plenty of protein and bold flavor from the dressing and other toppings.

Q: What if I don’t have chipotle chiles in adobo?

A: Substitute with a pinch of smoked paprika and a splash of your favorite hot sauce, or use chili powder and a little extra lime juice to approximate the smokiness.

Q: How can I make it gluten-free?

A: As long as your tortilla chips are gluten-free, this salad is naturally gluten-free. Double-check your Worcestershire sauce (some brands contain gluten) if you have allergies.

Make It a Crowd-Pleaser: Potluck and Party Tips

Big Batch: Double or triple the recipe for a gathering.
Dressing Bar: Offer extra lime wedges and chopped chipotles on the side so guests can mix their own heat level.
Pre-Chop, Pre-Chill: Assemble salad right before serving for best texture; keep all components cold until ready to eat.

More Salad Inspiration

Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps: Wrap the flavors up in a tortilla for a portable, lunchtime twist.
Mushroom Salads: Add marinated or grilled mushrooms for a savory, plant-based boost.
Green Goddess Salads: Try herby Green Goddess dressing for an alternative punch of flavor.
Classic Caesar Salad: Stick to the tried-and-true with homemade croutons and a traditional anchovy dressing for a balanced classic.
Harvest Salads: Mix in roasted fall veggies like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or beets for a seasonal shift.

Recipe Recap: Tex-Mex Chicken Caesar Salad

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4-6 as a main course

Summary Steps

Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a medium bowl.
Assemble salad base in a large bowl: romaine, avocado, chicken, cheese, chips, cilantro.
Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat.
Serve in bowls, garnish with more chips, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Best Chicken Salad Recipes: Lighter, protein-packed salads perfect for any season.
Easy Wraps: Take these Caesar and Tex-Mex flavors on the go.
Green Goddess: Herbaceous, creamy dressing options for the health-conscious.
Classic Caesar: Master the original before branching out!
Fall Salads: Make the most of autumn’s bounty with savory-sweet additions.

Final Tips for Success

Let Guests Build Their Own: For parties, set up a salad bar with all toppings and the dressing on the side.
Double the Dressing: The flavorful chipotle Caesar also works as a dip for veggies or a spread for wraps.
Make it a Meal Prep Star: Portion out ingredients in containers for easy, grab-and-go lunches through the week.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb