Southwest Caprese salad substitutes queso fresco and a bright cilantro jalapeño vinaigrette to add some flair. It is fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor!
Mix up your go-to salad by trying this southwest version with a bit of a kick! Try topping with tortilla strips for a bit of a crunch. For more scrumptious salads try Waldorf Salad, Antipasto Salad, or Chinese Chicken Salad.
mexican Caprese Salad
A caprese salad typically includes fresh mozzarella and juicy slices of tomato. This southwest version shakes things up a bit and add a bit of a kick!
The southwest flavoring comes from the delicious vinaigrette. The dressing is popping with jalapeño and cilantro, with a touch of citrus acid from the lime juice. The dressing makes this southwest salad sing.
Instead of the traditional fresh mozzarella we added the Mexican touch with queso fresco. This cheese is salty and delicious and really lends to the southwest vibe. I love a good salad, and this one is a winner!
Ingredient Tips
What takes this caprese salad down south?
Queso Fresco: is a soft and slightly tangy white cheese that’s used through Mexican cuisine we used in place of the fresh mozzarella typically found in caprese salad.
Cilantro is a Mexican food signature and takes the place of basil.
Jalapeño: Can you even find southwestern food without this flavorful ingredient! You can easily adjust the amount of heat the jalapeños provide by either removing all of the seeds for a mild flavor, or adding seeds for a spicy flavor.
Ready in Minutes
BLEND. Make the vinaigrette by adding the vinegar, cilantro, sugar, jalapeño, garlic and garlic salt to a blender. While the ingredients are processing gradually add the olive oil. Blend until combined.
STORE. Pour into a airtight container and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve the salad.
SALAD SUGGESTIONS. Arrange greens on a serving platter; top with tomatoes. Sprinkle with cheese, salt and pepper. Right before serving drizzle 1/2c of vinaigrette over the salad (the dressing may need to be stirred before pouring). Finally, garnish with the cilantro leaves. Refrigerate the remaining dressing.
Make Ahead and Store
Make ahead of time: The vinaigrette can be made the day before and stored in a glass jar in the fridge. Give it a good shake before pouring on the salad.
The tomatoes can also be sliced beforehand and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Assemble the salad up to an hour before serving.
Leftover southwest caprese salad can be stored in an airtight container in the ridge for up to 3 days.
For more caprese recipes, try:
Southwest Caprese Salad Recipe
Equipment
- blender
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 c mixed salad greens torn
- 3 large heirloom tomatoes or other tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 c queso fresco crumbled
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp cilantro leaves fresh
Dressing
- 1/3 c white wine vinegar
- 1/2 c fresh cilantro leaves
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 jalapeño pepper seeded & chopped
- 1 tsp minced garlic minced
- 3/4 tsp garlic salt (with parsley flakes)
- 2/3 c olive oil
Instructions
- Make the vinaigrette by adding the vinegar, cilantro, sugar, jalapeno, garlic and garlic salt to a blender. While the ingredients are processing gradually add the olive oil. Blend until combined. Pour into a airtight container and store in the fridge until you're ready to serve the salad.
- Salad: Arrange greens on a serving platter; top with tomatoes. Sprinkle with cheese, salt and pepper. Right before serving drizzle 1/2c of vinaigrette over the salad (the dressing may need to be stirred before pouring). Finally, garnish with the cilantro leaves. Refrigerate the remaining dressing.
A very basic refreshing salad full of tomatoes, cheese and a vinaigrette.
What a light & refreshing salad! The dressing is so good! I want to use it on all my salads!
I love caprese salad, especially this one! Love this so much!
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
This is such a light and refreshing salad! We love bringing it to parties and get togethers.
I LOVE this Southwest Caprese Salad! Looks amaaazing!!
Perfect salad to complement any dinner. It’s easy to make and provides a bright taste to the meal.