The Caesar salad is one of the world’s most recognisable dishes, but many people may be surprised to learn that it wasn’t created in Italy. Instead, the famous recipe was born in Tijuana, Mexico, in 1924 – and now Mexican restaurant chain Tortilla is celebrating those roots with its brand-new Summer Edit menu.
Available nationwide from today, the new menu introduces the Cali Caesar Wrap, Cali Caesar Salad, and a refreshing Hibiscus Lemonade, bringing together Californian and Mexican influences in a fresh seasonal offering.
Tortilla Gives the Classic Caesar a Mexican Twist
Known for its California-inspired Mexican food, Tortilla has taken the classic Caesar salad and reimagined it with some of its most popular ingredients.
The new Cali Caesar range combines extra asado chicken, smoky chorizo, Monterey Jack cheese, crushed tortilla chips, fresh lime, crisp cos lettuce and Tortilla’s house-made Cali Caesar dressing.
At the heart of the dish is the new Cali Caesar dressing, prepared fresh daily in-store. The dressing delivers a creamy and tangy flavour profile with a subtle smoky finish that ties together the menu’s Mexican-inspired ingredients.
According to Tortilla, the new range has already become a favourite among customers and staff who have sampled the menu ahead of launch.
For more information about Tortilla’s menu and restaurant locations, visit Tortilla UK.
Why the Caesar Salad Has Mexican Origins
While often mistaken for an Italian creation due to its name, the Caesar salad was actually invented by restaurateur Caesar Cardini in Tijuana, Mexico.
Located on the border between Mexico and California, Tijuana represents the same blend of cultural influences that inspires Tortilla’s California-style Mexican cuisine. That connection made the Caesar salad the perfect foundation for the restaurant’s latest seasonal menu.
The launch also taps into the growing popularity of Caesar-inspired wraps, which have become one of the biggest food trends across social media and restaurant menus over the past year.
New Hibiscus Lemonade Joins the Summer Menu
Alongside the Cali Caesar range, Tortilla has introduced a vibrant new Hibiscus Lemonade.
The bright pink beverage combines floral hibiscus notes with citrus lemon flavours, creating a refreshing summer drink designed to complement the richness of the Cali Caesar Wrap and Salad.
The drink will be available nationwide as part of the Summer Edit launch.
Free Tortilla Giveaways Coming to London
To celebrate the launch, Tortilla is taking its Summer Edit on the road with a dedicated food truck activation in London.
On 6 June, the brand will visit Clapham Common, where it plans to hand out free Cali Caesar Wraps and Hibiscus Lemonade from a fully branded summer food truck from midday.
The event is expected to offer hundreds of free samples to Londoners looking to try the new menu.
Exclusive Burrito Society Offer
Members of Tortilla’s loyalty programme, Burrito Society, can also enjoy an exclusive launch promotion.
From 2–9 June, customers who purchase a Cali Caesar Wrap or Cali Caesar Salad will receive a free Hibiscus Lemonade.
Those interested in joining the loyalty programme can find more information via the official Tortilla website.
What Tortilla Says About the New Menu
James, Food Director at Tortilla, said:
“Caesar wraps have become one of the biggest food trends of the year, but what many people don’t realise is that the Caesar salad actually has Mexican roots.
It was born in Tijuana, right on the border between Mexico and California, so it felt like a natural fit for Tortilla. We loved the story behind it and saw an opportunity to put our own spin on a genuine culinary icon.
The Cali Caesar range takes everything people love about a classic Caesar and layers in the flavours we’re known for, from smoky chorizo and tortilla chips, to a house-made Cali Caesar dressing.
Alongside that, we’ve introduced a vibrant new Hibiscus Lemonade to bring a burst of colour and refreshment to the menu. Together, it’s a summer line-up that’s fresh, vibrant and made for the season.”
- Tortilla UK: Official Website
- Tortilla Menu: View the Menu
