Fajita Caesar Salad

 Fajita Caesar Salad combines the bold flavors of fajitas with the creamy, tangy dressing of Caesar salad. It's a vibrant, hearty dish featuring seasoned chicken or steak, fresh veggies, and a zesty Caesar dressing with a southwest twist.

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Ingredients:

For the Fajita Chicken (or Steak):

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 1 lb flank steak

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 lime (for juicing)

For the Salad:

4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup bell pepper, thinly sliced (use red or yellow for extra color)

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips (optional, for crunch)

For the Caesar Dressing with a Fajita Twist:

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt

2 tbsp lime juice

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fajita Chicken (or Steak):

1. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken breasts (or steak).

3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked, or cook the steak to your desired level of doneness.

5. Remove from the heat and let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

6. Squeeze lime juice over the cooked chicken or steak.

2. Make the Fajita Caesar Dressing:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more lime or spices for extra flavor.

3. Assemble the Salad:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and cilantro.

2. Add the sliced fajita chicken or steak on top of the salad.

3. Drizzle with the fajita Caesar dressing and toss to coat evenly.

4. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, tortilla strips, or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.

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Tips:

You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or grilled vegetables for a lighter version.

If you prefer a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

You can prep the salad and dressing ahead of time, but don't toss it until you're ready to serve to keep the lettuce crisp.

Fajita Caesar Salad brings together the zesty, smoky flavors of fajitas with the classic Caesar salad base, creating a fresh, bold dish that’s perfect for a light dinner or a satisfying lunch!