Caesar Salad recipe

Introduction:

This Caesar Salad recipe is a classic and easy option that’s perfect for any occasion. Featuring crisp homemade croutons and a light, flavorful Caesar dressing, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that elevates any meal. Whether for a casual lunch or a festive gathering, this Caesar Salad is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Croutons:

• 1/2 French baguette, cut in half and sliced into 1/4″ thick pieces
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (2 small cloves)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

For the Caesar Salad Dressing:

• 2 small garlic cloves, minced (1 teaspoon)
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For the Caesar Salad:

• 1 large or 2 small heads romaine lettuce
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded or shaved
• Prepared croutons (from the recipe above)

Directions

1. Make the Croutons:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
   • Slice and Prep: Cut the baguette in half lengthwise and then slice into 1/4″ thick pieces. Place the bread slices onto a baking sheet.
   • Garlic Oil: In a small bowl, combine olive oil and minced garlic. Drizzle the garlic oil over the bread slices and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
   • Bake: Toss to coat the bread evenly, spread in a single layer, and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until light golden and crisp. Set aside to cool.
2. Make the Caesar Salad Dressing:
   • Whisk Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar.
   • Add Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly until emulsified and smooth.
   • Season: Whisk in sea salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Caesar Salad:
   • Prep the Lettuce: Rinse, dry, and chop or tear the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large serving bowl.
   • Add Toppings: Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan and add cooled croutons.
   • Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently until the lettuce is evenly coated.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 4
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes (for croutons)
• Total Time: 27 minutes

Variations

• Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad: Add grilled chicken slices for a protein boost.
• Vegan Version: Substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use a vegan Worcestershire sauce.
• Additional Veggies: Include cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, or red onions for added freshness.
• Different Croutons: Use store-bought croutons or different types of bread for variety.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover salad components separately. Keep croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Store the dressing in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Reheating: Reheat croutons in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore crispness. Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use pre-made croutons?
   • Yes, store-bought croutons can be used if you prefer a quicker option.
2. How can I make this salad gluten-free?
   • Use gluten-free bread to make the croutons or purchase gluten-free croutons.
3. Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can make the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
4. How do I make the salad vegetarian?
   • The salad is vegetarian as long as you use vegetarian Parmesan or omit the cheese.
5. Can I freeze the croutons?
   • Yes, you can freeze croutons. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Recrisp them in the oven before serving.
6. How long will leftover salad last?
   • The assembled salad is best eaten immediately. Store leftover salad components separately to maintain freshness.
7. Can I use a different type of lettuce?
   • Yes, you can use other lettuces like kale or mixed greens, but romaine is traditional for Caesar Salad.
8. Is there a substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
   • You can use soy sauce or tamari as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce if needed.
9. Can I make the croutons in advance?
   • Yes, croutons can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.
10. How can I make this salad more filling?
    • Add protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to make it a more substantial meal.

Conclusion

This Caesar Salad recipe offers a delightful blend of crisp romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, and a light Caesar dressing that captures classic flavors in a simple and elegant way. Perfect for any occasion, it’s easy to prepare and adaptable with various variations. Enjoy this refreshing and satisfying salad as a standalone dish or as a complement to your favorite meals.

Print