Comfort Keto’s Chef Janine is bringing you an epic ketogenic take on the beloved Chicken Pepita Salad, also known as the Mexican Caesar Salad—but with an indulgent culinary twist that enhances both flavor and nutrition.
At the heart of this vibrant dish is tender, hormone- and antibiotic-free chicken breast, grilled to perfection for a lean yet protein-packed foundation. Crisp Romaine lettuce, renowned for its hydrating properties and micronutrient density, forms the refreshing base.
Chef Janine layers in crumbled Cotija cheese for its creamy, salty contrast and aged Parmesan shavings, adding a nutty depth while delivering a boost of calcium and healthy fats. Pumpkin seeds, or "pepitas," lend a delightful crunch while being rich in magnesium, zinc, and Vitamin A, which are essential for eye health, immune support, and muscle function. Avocado cubes provide a luxurious buttery texture while being an excellent source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and potassium, perfect for maintaining electrolyte balance on a keto diet.
A squeeze of fresh lime and a scattering of cilantro and aromatic herbs brighten the salad with zesty, herbaceous notes. A light touch of black beans adds a hint of earthiness while keeping carbs minimal.
The star of the show is Chef Janine’s signature keto Caesar dressing, a luscious blend of avocado oil mayonnaise and organic vinegar, offering a silky texture with the added benefits of anti-inflammatory omega-9 fatty acids. But what truly sets this salad apart is the finishing touch—fine-cut low-carb tortilla strips, fried in lard for the ultimate crispy bite, reminiscent of classic croutons but completely keto-friendly.
Each bite of this Mexican Caesar Salad is an indulgent fusion of creamy, crunchy, zesty, and savory flavors, all while keeping carbs low and nutrients high. Whether you're a seasoned keto enthusiast or simply seeking a cleaner, healthier take on a classic favorite, this dish delivers bold flavors, premium ingredients, and exceptional nourishment—a true testament to Comfort Keto’s culinary excellence.
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 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."
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