Description
A classic Caesar Salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, homemade garlic anchovy dressing, crunchy golden croutons, and savory Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a refreshing starter or light meal, this salad combines fresh, vibrant flavors with a creamy, tangy dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 large head of Romaine Lettuce, washed and dried
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup croutons (see below)
Croutons
- 4 slices of bread, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Caesar Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry lettuce: Thoroughly wash the romaine lettuce leaves and dry them using a salad spinner or clean towels until crisp to ensure a fresh, crunchy base for the salad.
- Prepare croutons: Cube the bread into bite-sized pieces, toss them with olive oil to coat evenly, then spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Allow to cool.
- Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Toss salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the crisp romaine lettuce with the prepared dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all the leaves with the dressing.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the dressed salad, then top with the freshly baked croutons for added texture and flavor.
- Serve immediately: Serve the Caesar salad right away to enjoy the crispness of the lettuce and crunchiness of the croutons at their best.
Notes
- For a lighter dressing, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Anchovy paste can be omitted for a milder flavor, or replaced with Worcestershire sauce for a different umami touch.
- Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for brighter flavor.
- Store salad components separately if preparing in advance to maintain freshness.
- Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more substantial meal.
