The Caesar salad is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. This iconic dish, created by Italian-born chef Caesar Cardini in the 1920s, is a symphony of flavors and textures that elevates a simple salad into a culinary masterpiece. The crunch of fresh romaine lettuce, the savory tang of parmesan cheese, and the rich, creamy dressing all come together to create a dish that is both elegant and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a side at a holiday dinner or as a light meal on its own, the Caesar salad is sure to impress with its bold flavors and timeless appeal.
Ingredients:
- Romaine Lettuce: 2 medium heads (about 10 ounces)
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/3 cup (about 1 ounce) shaved or grated
- Crusty Bread: 2 large slices (about 4 ounces), cut into 1/4-inch cubes
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/3 cup for croutons, 1/3 cup for dressing
- Anchovies: 3 oil-packed anchovy filets, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 small cloves, minced
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
- Egg Yolk: 1 egg yolk (pasteurized if concerned)
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Red Wine Vinegar: 1 1/2 teaspoons (optional)
Instructions:
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Make the Croutons:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 1 teaspoon of finely minced garlic.
- Toss the bread cubes in the garlic oil until evenly coated.
- Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the croutons are light golden and crisp.
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Prepare the Caesar Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, use a fork to mash the chopped anchovies, minced garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt until you get a smooth paste.
- Whisk in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
- Add the egg yolk and whisk until well combined.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking. Start with one drop at a time, allowing each addition to emulsify before adding the next. Once you’ve added about 2 tablespoons, switch to pouring the oil in a thin, steady stream while still whisking constantly.
- The dressing should look cohesive and slightly thickened, like a loose aioli.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
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Assemble the Salad:
- Rinse and dry the romaine lettuce. Chop it into small bite-sized pieces.
- Place the chopped lettuce in a large serving bowl.
- Sprinkle the shaved parmesan cheese over the lettuce.
- Add the freshly baked croutons on top of the lettuce.
- Drizzle the prepared Caesar dressing over the salad, ensuring that all the lettuce is evenly coated.
- Season with additional kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with additional shaved parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately, as the croutons and lettuce will start to soften over time.
Top Tips:
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Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients are essential for a great Caesar salad. Choose the best romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil you can find.
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Don’t Overdressing: The key to a great Caesar salad is not overdressing it. Toss the salad just enough to coat the lettuce evenly, as excess dressing can make it soggy.
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Make Croutons Ahead: You can make the croutons ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to a day. This saves time when assembling the salad.
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Use Anchovy Paste: If you’re squeamish about whole anchovies, use anchovy paste instead. It’s easier to work with and still provides that authentic Caesar flavor.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing as you go and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional lemon juice to your liking.
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Add Some Zest: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick to your Caesar salad if you prefer a bit of heat.
Variations:
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Vegan Caesar: Replace the parmesan cheese with vegan parmesan and use a non-dairy mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the dressing.
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Gluten-Free Croutons: Use gluten-free bread or even crispy quinoa to make gluten-free croutons.
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Roasted Chickpeas: Add some roasted chickpeas for extra protein and crunch.
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Shaved Radishes: Thinly slice some radishes and add them on top of the salad for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
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Pine Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts over the salad for added crunch and flavor.
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Chives or Scallions: Top the salad with some chopped chives or scallions for a fresh, oniony flavor.
Nutritional Guide:
| Nutrient | Per Serving (4 servings) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Fat | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
Additional Nutritional Notes:
The Caesar salad is a nutrient-dense dish, with the romaine lettuce providing essential vitamins A and K, while the parmesan cheese offers calcium and protein. The extra virgin olive oil used in both the croutons and dressing is rich in healthy fats. However, it’s worth noting that traditional Caesar dressing can be high in calories and fat due to the use of mayonnaise or egg yolks. To make it healthier, consider using Greek yogurt or non-dairy alternatives in the dressing.
