🥬🌰🥣 Chef Janine’s Mexican Caesar Salad: A Bold Twist on a Classic

✨ Chef Janine’s Indulgent Keto Twist on the Mexican Caesar

Craving a salad that’s anything but basic? 🍴 Chef Janine of Comfort Keto is serving up a bold, flavor-forward spin on the classic Chicken Pepita Salad—also affectionately known as the Mexican Caesar Salad. 🇲🇽 But this isn’t your average Mexican Caesar… it’s a ketogenic masterpiece designed to fuel and satisfy. 💪

🔥 At the heart of this vibrant salad bowl:

🍗 Tender, grilled chicken breast—always hormone- and antibiotic-free—for a juicy, protein-packed foundation. ✨

🌿 Nestled on a bed of crisp Romaine lettuce, rich in hydration and micronutrients, this salad delivers freshness in every bite. 🥬💧

💚 Topped with toasted pepitas, bold seasoning, and a creamy, house-made keto Caesar dressing—this is indulgence without compromise. 😋🌰🥣

Whether you’re keto-curious or a seasoned low-carb lover, this dish is your new lunchtime obsession. 🕛❤️

Chef Janine is serving up a bold, flavor-forward spin on the classic Chicken Pepita Salad!

🧀🥑 The Art of the Keto Mexican Caesar

💚 A Chef Janine Signature Creation from Comfort Keto

Chef Janine takes the beloved Chicken Pepita Salad to extraordinary new heights—layering flavor, texture, and nourishment in every keto-friendly forkful. 🥄✨

🧀 Crumbled Cotija cheese brings a creamy, salty punch, while the addition of aged Parmesan shavings introduce a nutty depth—both boosting calcium and healthy fats for bone strength and brain health. 💪🧠

🌰 Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) add the perfect crunchy contrast, rich in magnesium, zinc, and Vitamin A—key players in eye health, immune support, and muscle function. 👁️🛡️💪

🥑 Avocado cubes offer that luxurious, buttery texture we all crave—plus a dose of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and potassium to keep electrolytes balanced on your keto journey.

🍋 A squeeze of fresh lime and a sprinkle of cilantro and aromatic herbs brighten the dish with zesty, herbaceous notes that awaken the palate. 🌿💥

🖤 A light touch of black beans adds subtle earthiness and fiber without pushing up the carb count. For optimal ketogenic benefits, however, Chef Janine prefers using sprouted monk beans instead.✅

🥗 But the true showstopper?✨ Chef Janine’s Signature Keto Caesar Dressing isn't your average Caesar—it's a bold, herbaceous masterpiece. 🌿✨ Chef Janine’s creation is a velvety fusion of fresh cilantro, bright lime juice, finely chopped green onions and jalapeños, all blended with rich avocado oil mayonnaise and organic vinegar. Bursting with zesty flavor and loaded with anti-inflammatory omega-9s, this luxurious dressing brings just the right amount of heat, tang, and creaminess—perfectly complementing every crunchy, creamy bite of her Mexican Caesar Salad. 🥗🔥💧

🥖 And finally, a crispy flourish: Fine-cut low-carb tortilla strips, fried in real lard, giving you that nostalgic crouton crunch—minus the carbs. 😍👏

🥗 Ingredient Spotlight: Chef Janine’s Chicken Pepita Salad

Ingredient	Role in the Dish	Health Benefits
🧀 Cotija Cheese	Creamy, salty topper	High in calcium and healthy fats; supports bone strength and brain function 🦴🧠
🧀 Aged Parmesan	Nutty flavor enhancer	Provides protein and calcium; adds savory depth with minimal carbs 💪🧂
🌰 Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds)	Crunchy, earthy texture	Rich in magnesium, zinc, and Vitamin A—supports immunity, muscles, and vision 🛡️👁️
🥑 Avocado Cubes	Buttery, cooling contrast	Loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and potassium ⚡💚
🌿 Cilantro & Aromatic Herbs	Herbaceous freshness	Detoxifying, antioxidant-rich, and anti-inflammatory 🌱✨
🍋 Fresh Lime Juice	Bright, zesty acid	High in Vitamin C; boosts flavor and aids digestion 🍋🔥
🖤 Sprouted Monk Beans	Earthy, fibrous element	Lower in carbs than black beans; improves digestion and nutrient absorption ✅🌿
🥣 Signature Keto Caesar Dressing	Creamy, zesty finish	Made with avocado oil mayo and organic vinegar; high in omega-9s for heart health ❤️🔥
🥖 Low-Carb Tortilla Strips	Crispy, crouton-like crunch	Fried in lard for keto-friendly texture; no added carbs 🙌😋

🥄 A Symphony of Flavor + Function

Each bite is a decadent harmony of creamy, crunchy, zesty, and savory—crafted to deliver satisfaction without compromise. Whether you're deep into keto life or simply seeking clean, elevated eats, this Mexican Caesar is a celebration of bold flavor, premium ingredients, and uncompromising nutrition. 🌟

🧀 Cotija: The Bold, Crumbly Star of Chef Janine’s Chicken Pepita Salad

Crumbled Cotija cheese brings a creamy, salty punch to the Chicken Pepita Salad, also known as Mexican Caesar Salad.

When it comes to elevating Mexican-inspired dishes, Chef Janine of Comfort Keto knows exactly what she’s doing—and her Chicken Pepita Salad is no exception. At the heart of this keto-friendly creation is a standout ingredient that adds depth and a touch of luxury: Cotija cheese. 🌟

Unlike its mild cousin queso fresco, Cotija is aged, firmer, and bolder—a cheese that doesn’t melt, but instead crumbles into dishes with confidence. 🇲🇽🧂 It’s been called the “Mexican Parmesan”, thanks to its dry texture and briny punch, making it the perfect contrast to creamy avocado, zesty lime, and smoky grilled chicken.

💡 In Chef Janine’s salad, crumbled Cotija plays a vital role. It cuts through the richness of the Caesar-style dressing, complements the crunch of pepitas, and enhances the herbaceous notes of fresh cilantro. Just a sprinkle packs flavor, minerals, and healthy fats—because when you’re cooking keto, every ingredient counts.

👉 Pro tip: While queso fresco is softer and milder—ideal for mellow dishes—Cotija shines when you want intensity without overpowering your plate. Use it sparingly, but purposefully, just like Chef Janine does.

🌰 Pepitas: The Mighty Crunch in Chef Janine’s Mexican Caesar

Pepitas are a specific type of pumpkin seed that come from hull-less (shell-free) pumpkin varieties like Styrian or Naked Seeded pumpkins.

No Mexican Caesar is complete without pepitas—and Chef Janine knows just how to spotlight them. These toasted pumpkin seeds** bring more than just texture to her Chicken Pepita Salad. They deliver a crunchy, nutty layer that perfectly balances the creaminess of Cotija and avocado. 🥗💥

** While all pepitas are pumpkin seeds, not all pumpkin seeds are pepitas—only the shell-less ones can be roasted and eaten without shelling.

But pepitas aren't just delicious—they're nutritional powerhouses. Packed with magnesium, zinc, and Vitamin A, they support everything from immune health to muscle function and eye wellness. 💪🛡️👁️

Tossed generously across the top, pepitas in Chef Janine’s salad offer satisfying crunch with purpose—a perfect keto-friendly superfood that turns every bite into a crave-worthy experience.

🌱 Sprouted Monk Beans: Chef Janine’s Keto-Friendly Choice

While a sprinkle of black beans adds earthiness and fiber, Chef Janine takes it up a notch with sprouted monk beans in her Mexican Caesar Salad. These nutrient-dense gems offer lower carbs and enhanced digestibility, making them a perfect keto-friendly alternative.

Sprouted monk beans not only have lower carbs but also offer improved digestion and increased nutrient absorption, making them a powerful addition to any keto meal. Sprouting also boosts their vitamin and mineral content, supporting sustained energy and gut health—essential for any keto lifestyle.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions: The Many Ways to Enjoy Chef Janine’s Mexican Caesar

This bold, flavor-rich salad is more than just a side—it’s a complete meal that satisfies without compromise. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty brunch, Chef Janine’s Mexican Caesar shines as a standalone star or paired with a warming bowl of bone broth for extra gut-nourishing goodness. 🥣✨

For entertaining? Serve it in mini lettuce cups or small glass tumblers for a chic, keto canapé that’s sure to impress. Hosting a weekend gathering? Add grilled shrimp or seared steak for a decadent surf-and-turf Caesar twist. 🍤🥩

🍹 Drink Pairings: What to Sip with Your Keto Mexican Caesar

Elevate your dining experience with drink pairings that complement the salad’s bold, zesty notes and creamy richness:

• Cucumber-Lime Sparkling Water: Crisp and cooling, this refreshing zero-carb beverage cuts through the spice and enhances the herbal brightness. 🥒💧

  
  

• Keto Michelada Mocktail: A tangy tomato-lime blend with a salted rim, chili flakes, and a splash of apple cider vinegar—perfect for fans of bold, savory flavor. 🍅🌶️

  
  

• Dry Keto Margarita: Made with fresh lime juice, sparkling mineral water, and a keto-friendly tequila alternative or mezcal—served over ice with a tajín rim. 🍸🍋

  
  

• Iced Hibiscus Tea: Lightly sweetened with monk fruit, this ruby-red refresher adds floral tartness and antioxidants, balancing every rich, creamy bite. 🌺🧊

This salad is more than just a delicious meal—it’s a thoughtfully crafted balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition. With clean, keto-friendly ingredients and bold Mexican-inspired flair, it delivers lasting energy, supports wellness, and satisfies cravings without compromise. Whether you're eating clean or simply craving something extraordinary, Chef Janine’s Mexican Caesar is the perfect choice. 🥗✨

Stay updated on when this delicious dish will be on the menu by visiting our website: www.myketopal.com.

Bon Appétit!

Chef Janine

A Little About the Classic Caesar Salad

The Caesar salad is one of the undisputed best salads in the world. This classic salad was originally invented by an Italian-American restaurateur named "Caesar Cardini" in Tijuana, Mexico in 1924. Caesar Cardini actually lived in San Diego but, circumventing US Prohibition laws at the time, he operated his popular restaurant in Tijuana, just south of the Mexican border.

The 1920s were the glory days for Tijuana, Mexico. The thriving town was a magnet for movie stars, mobsters, dignitaries and misfits seeking a place to escape the doldrums of US Prohibition. Many Californians, including Hollywood jet set, would often drive over to party and enjoy the good life.

Just like it was the case with many other world-famous dishes, the Caesar salad was invented during this period through sheer ingenuity and improvisation. Cardini's original recipe included "whole Romaine leaves, garlic, croutons, Parmesan cheese, boiled eggs, olive oil and Worcestershire sauce." To animate the guests and add some flair to his new invention, Cardini prepared the salad tableside, as many restaurants still do today.

In 1926, Alex Cardini, a former Italian Air Force pilot during WWI, joined his brother Caesar. The salad dish was named Aviator's salad in honor of the pilots from San Diego's Rockwell Field Air Base who, reportedly, one morning – after a long night of drinking and missing curfew – woke up at Caesar's restaurant and enjoyed the salad prepared by Alex Cardini for breakfast. As the salad gained popularity with other Californian visitors, it was later renamed to Caesar salad and anchovies were added.

The Caesar salad quickly grew famous in the thriving Mexican border town of Tijuana. This delicious salad became a sensation sought after from coast to coast in the US, eventually becoming a huge success in Europe.

In her cookbook "From Julia Child's Kitchen," Child recounted traveling as a child with her parents to Cardini's restaurant.

In 1948 Caesar Cardini established a patent on the salad dressing which is still produced and marketed by Caesar Cardini Foods, Inc. today as Cardini's Original Caesar dressing mix. In 1953, the Paris-based "International Society of Epicure" declared the classic Caesar salad "the greatest recipe to originate from the Americas in 50 years."