Jul 09 2026
RestaurantsThe MonicaChipotle Caesar Recipe

Chipotle Caesar Recipe

Inspired by The Monica
Time25m
Serves4

romaine, sun dried tomato, shaved parmesan, & warm pocket bread

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Ingredients

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Chipotle Caesar dressing

Method

Chipotle Caesar dressing

  1. 1

    Combine base ingredients

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce and anchovy paste until smooth.

  2. 2

    Add aromatics and chipotle

    Stir in the minced garlic and the finely chopped chipotle in adobo until evenly distributed.

  3. 3

    Emulsify

    While whisking steadily, slowly drizzle in the 2 tbs extra-virgin olive oil to emulsify the dressing. Whisk until glossy and combined.

  4. 4

    Finish and adjust seasoning

    Fold in the grated Parmesan, then season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. If the dressing is too thick, whisk in up to 2 tbs cold water, 1 tbs at a time, until you reach a pourable yet clingy consistency.

  5. 5

    Rest

    Taste and adjust for acidity, heat, or salt: add more lemon juice for brightness, a touch more chipotle for heat, or salt as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to let flavors meld (can be made up to 1 day ahead).

Salad

  1. 6

    Prep greens and tomatoes

    Remove outer leaves from the romaine if needed, halve the heads lengthwise, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Pat dry thoroughly. Slice the drained sun-dried tomatoes into thin strips.

  2. 7

    Toss the salad

    Place the chopped romaine and sun-dried tomato strips in a large mixing bowl. Add about three-quarters of the prepared chipotle Caesar dressing and toss gently until the leaves are evenly coated. Taste and add more dressing if you prefer a wetter salad.

  3. 8

    Add finishing touches

    Transfer dressed romaine to a serving platter or divide among plates. Scatter the shaved Parmesan over the top and crack a little extra black pepper. Serve with lemon wedges alongside for guests to squeeze as desired.

  4. 9

    Serving options

    Option A: Serve the salad plated with warm pocket bread on the side. Option B: Open each warmed pita pocket and spoon the dressed romaine, sun-dried tomatoes and shaved Parmesan into the pocket for a composed lunch sandwich.

Warm pocket bread

  1. 10

    Preheat

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you prefer a skillet method, heat a dry skillet over medium heat.

  2. 11

    Prepare brushing oil

    In a small bowl combine 1 tbs extra-virgin olive oil with the minced garlic (for brushing). Stir to blend.

  3. 12

    Brush and season pitas

    Lightly brush both sides of each pita pocket with the olive oil and garlic mixture and sprinkle each with a pinch of coarse sea salt (about 1/8 tsp per pita).

  4. 13

    Warm

    Oven: Place the pitas directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and warm 5–7 minutes until pliable and slightly golden. Skillet: Toast each pita 30–45 seconds per side until warm and lightly charred. Remove from heat and let rest 1 minute, then gently open pockets along one side to create a pocket.

  5. 14

    Optional crisp-up

    If you want a slightly crisp exterior, after opening, place pitas back in the oven for 1–2 minutes more. Keep warm until ready to serve.

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