Caesar salad is a timeless favorite, loved for its combination of crisp romaine lettuce, creamy and tangy dressing, crunchy croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. While it’s a staple in many restaurants, making it at home is surprisingly simple and yields incredible flavor. Whether served as a side dish or topped with grilled chicken for a main course, this Caesar salad recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce (chopped or torn into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
For the Dressing:
- 2 cloves garlic (minced or pressed)
- 2 anchovy fillets (minced, optional for authentic flavor)
- 1 large egg yolk (or 1 tbsp mayonnaise as a substitute)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation
1. Prepare the Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together minced garlic, anchovy fillets, egg yolk, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Gradually add olive oil in a thin stream while whisking continuously to create a creamy emulsion.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust tanginess with additional lemon juice if desired.
2. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, grated Parmesan, and croutons.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
3. Serve Immediately:
- Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan shavings if desired.
Variations
- Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad: Top with sliced grilled chicken breast for a protein-packed main dish.
- Vegetarian Caesar Salad: Skip the anchovies and Worcestershire sauce, and add a splash of caper brine for a tangy kick.
- Kale Caesar Salad: Replace romaine with fresh, tender kale for a heartier version. Massage the kale with a bit of olive oil to soften it before adding dressing.
Cooking Note
- For safety, use pasteurized egg yolks if concerned about raw eggs in the dressing.
- Anchovy paste can be used instead of fillets for a smoother incorporation.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair Caesar salad with pasta dishes like fettuccine Alfredo or spaghetti Bolognese for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
- Serve alongside grilled steak or roasted salmon for a balanced dinner.
- For a creative twist, use the salad as a filling in wraps or sandwiches.
Tips
- Make homemade croutons by toasting cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, and herbs in the oven at 375°F until golden and crispy.
- Chill the romaine lettuce in ice water before assembling the salad for extra crispness.
- Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Prep Time, Cooking Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 380mg
FAQs
1. Can I make Caesar dressing without anchovies?
Yes! For a similar umami flavor, substitute anchovies with a dash of soy sauce or caper brine.
2. What’s the best type of lettuce for Caesar salad?
Crisp romaine is the classic choice, but kale or mixed greens can be used for variations.
3. Can I prepare Caesar salad ahead of time?
You can make the dressing and chop the lettuce ahead, but toss the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
Conclusion
Classic Caesar salad is a dish that never goes out of style. Its blend of crisp greens, creamy dressing, and crunchy toppings make it a versatile addition to any meal. Whether enjoyed as a light side or dressed up with protein for a main course, this homemade recipe ensures you’ll have a restaurant-quality Caesar salad right at home.