Have you ever had a salad so good that you couldn’t stop thinking about the dressing? If you’ve been to Chopt, you know that their Mexican Caesar Dressing is the real star of their famous salads. Creamy, smoky, tangy, and a little spicy, this dressing adds an irresistible depth of flavor to any dish.
Now, you don’t have to visit Chopt every time you crave it. With this Mexican Caesar Dressing (Chopt Copycat) recipe, you can recreate that same bold, zesty taste at home. Whether you’re drizzling it over a crisp romaine salad, using it as a dip, or spreading it on sandwiches, this homemade version is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Let’s dive into this delicious, easy-to-make dressing that brings together the best of Mexican flavors and the creamy richness of Caesar dressing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Chopt-inspired flavor – Get the exact taste of Chopt’s famous Mexican Caesar dressing at home.
- Creamy with a kick – Greek yogurt, chipotle peppers, and Dijon mustard create the perfect balance of creaminess and spice.
- Versatile – Use it on salads, tacos, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce.
- Quick & easy – Ready in just 5 minutes with simple ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this bold and zesty dressing at home:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plain Greek yogurt (5% milk fat recommended) | ½ cup |
| Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce | 2 |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Mayonnaise | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 lemon |
| Garlic cloves, chopped | 3 |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tbsp |
| Honey | 2 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp |
How to Make Mexican Caesar Dressing
1. Blend the Ingredients
- In a blender or food processor, add Greek yogurt, chipotle peppers, olive oil, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend Until Smooth
- Blend on high speed until the mixture is creamy and fully combined.
3. Adjust the Consistency
- If the dressing is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water or more lemon juice and blend again.
4. Taste & Adjust Seasoning
- Add extra salt, pepper, or honey to suit your taste.
5. Store & Serve
- Pour into a sealed jar or container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Pro Tips for the Best Mexican Caesar Dressing
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt – It gives the dressing a richer, creamier texture.
- Adjust the spice level – Add an extra chipotle pepper for more heat or reduce it for a milder flavor.
- Let it sit – Allowing the dressing to chill for at least 30 minutes deepens the flavors.
- Use fresh lemon juice – It adds a brighter, more natural tang than bottled juice.
How to Store Your Dressing
Refrigerating
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing
- Not recommended, as the texture may separate when thawed.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown per 2-tablespoon serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 75 |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
What to Serve with Mexican Caesar Dressing
This dressing is incredibly versatile! Here are some great ways to use it:
- Salads – Toss with romaine lettuce, black beans, cotija cheese, and tortilla strips.
- Tacos – Drizzle over grilled shrimp, chicken, or carne asada tacos.
- Burrito Bowls – A perfect topping for rice, beans, and grilled veggies.
- Sandwiches & Wraps – Spread it on sandwiches, burgers, or wraps for extra flavor.
- Dip – Serve with veggies, chips, or quesadillas.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to switch things up? Try these ideas:
- Dairy-Free Version – Swap Greek yogurt for cashew cream or dairy-free yogurt.
- Extra Spicy – Add a third chipotle pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
- Sweeter Touch – Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness.
- Herb Twist – Blend in cilantro or fresh oregano for a unique taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes! This dressing actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge because the flavors blend together.
2. How long does homemade Mexican Caesar dressing last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it stays fresh for up to 5 days.
3. Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, but the dressing will be thinner. If using regular yogurt, reduce the olive oil slightly to maintain thickness.
4. Is this dressing gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
5. What can I use instead of chipotle peppers?
If you don’t have chipotle peppers, try smoked paprika and a dash of hot sauce for a similar smoky spice.
6. Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Absolutely! Lime juice adds a zesty Mexican flair that works just as well as lemon.
Final Thoughts: Time to Spice Up Your Salads!
Now that you have the perfect Mexican Caesar Dressing (Chopt Copycat) recipe, it’s time to add some bold, creamy, and smoky flavor to your meals! Whether you’re making a fresh salad, drizzling it over tacos, or using it as a dip, this homemade dressing will elevate any dish.
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Share your creations in the comments or tag us on social media.