Spicy Caesar Salad with Avocado and Chipotle

Name: Spicy Caesar Salad with Avocado and Chipotle
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped; 1 ripe avocado, diced; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup croutons; 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced; 1 tablespoon adobo sauce; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 5 min

🍽 Serves: 4

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This Spicy Caesar Salad with Avocado and Chipotle is a fresh take on a classic favorite, adding a smoky kick and creamy texture. Perfect for a quick lunch or a vibrant side dish, it brings together the creaminess of avocado and the heat of chipotle for a salad that's anything but ordinary.

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Ingredients for Spicy Caesar Salad with Avocado and Chipotle

The heart of this salad is the romaine lettuce, providing a crisp and sturdy base. A ripe avocado adds creaminess and richness, while cherry tomatoes contribute a juicy, sweet contrast. Parmesan cheese offers a sharp, salty kick that complements the other flavors perfectly. Croutons add a satisfying crunch that ties everything together.

The dressing is what really makes this salad stand out. Greek yogurt is used to create a creamy base, combined with mayonnaise for a touch of indulgence. Fresh lime juice brings brightness and acidity, perfect for balancing the heat from the chipotle pepper and adobo sauce. A hint of smoked paprika adds depth, while garlic infuses a robust flavor. Finish with salt and pepper to taste, and you've got a dressing that's spicy, zesty, and utterly delicious.

Tips & Tricks

Use day-old bread to make your own croutons; they'll be extra crunchy and flavorful.
For a milder spice, remove the seeds from the chipotle pepper before mincing.
To prevent avocado from browning, add it right before serving.
Double the dressing and store it in the fridge; it's great for other salads or as a dip.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. Try serving it alongside a light soup, like a chilled gazpacho, for a refreshing summer meal. If you're hosting, consider pairing it with a crisp white wine or a light lager to complement the smoky, spicy notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare the dressing up to three days in advance. Keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Is there a substitute for chipotle pepper?: If you can't find chipotle peppers, try using smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a different kind of heat.
What if I don't have Greek yogurt?: You can substitute sour cream or plain yogurt, but it might alter the creaminess slightly.

Spicy Caesar Salad with Avocado and Chipotle Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preparing your fresh ingredients. Chop the two hearts of romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and toss them into a large salad bowl. Dice the ripe avocado, ensuring it's not overly soft to avoid a mushy texture, and add it to the bowl. Halve the cherry tomatoes and mix them in with the lettuce and avocado. Take a moment to admire the colorful combination before moving on to the dressing.

For the dressing, grab a separate bowl and whisk together the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise until smooth. Add the fresh lime juice to the mix, and then stir in the minced chipotle pepper and adobo sauce. The key here is to taste as you go, adjusting the level of spice to your preference. Incorporate the minced garlic and smoked paprika, giving the dressing a quick whisk to ensure everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together. You want every piece of lettuce and every slice of avocado to be coated in that creamy, spicy goodness. Once mixed, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top, along with the croutons, for that classic Caesar crunch. Give it one final toss to distribute the toppings evenly.

Now, your Spicy Caesar Salad is ready to serve! The sooner you enjoy it, the better, as the croutons will retain their crunch, and the avocado will remain perfectly ripe. Serve it up and dig in!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

A spicy twist on the classic Caesar, perfect for heat lovers.
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Packed with fresh ingredients for a nutritious meal.
The creamy dressing with Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative.
Perfect balance of textures with crunchy croutons and creamy avocado.

Ingredients

2 hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped

1 ripe avocado, diced

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup croutons

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced

1 tablespoon adobo sauce

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, diced avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, minced garlic, and smoked paprika to make the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well combined.

4. Add croutons and grated Parmesan cheese, and give it a final toss.

5. Serve immediately and enjoy your spicy Caesar Salad.

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