Introduction
Classic Caesar Salad is a timeless dish that combines crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a creamy dressing, topped with Parmesan cheese. This recipe from Love and Lemons elevates the traditional Caesar Salad to new heights, ensuring a delightful experience with every bite. Whether you’re making it as a side for a main dish or enjoying it on its own, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
For the Croutons:
4 cups cubed crusty bread
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Sea salt, for sprinkling
For the Caesar Salad Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, grated
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Pinch sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For the Salad:
1 pound romaine lettuce (about 2 medium heads), chopped or torn into bite-size pieces
½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground black pepper
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
18 minutes
Total Time
33 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. Make the Croutons:
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the bread cubes on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and toss to coat. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 10 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a large liquid measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and several grinds of pepper until smooth. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season to taste. If the dressing is too thick, stir in water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Assemble the Salad:
Place the chopped romaine lettuce in a large bowl. Add half the dressing, half the croutons, and half the shaved Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat. Add more dressing as desired, tossing until the salad is coated to your liking. Season to taste and top with the remaining croutons, remaining cheese, and several grinds of pepper.
Notes:
If you’re vegetarian, use Parmesan cheese made with vegetarian enzymes and vegan Worcestershire sauce. The dressing keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Enjoy your homemade Caesar Salad!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Make the Croutons:
– Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– Place the bread cubes on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and toss to coat.
– Spread evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 10 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Dressing:
– In a large liquid measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and several grinds of pepper until smooth.
– Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season to taste. If the dressing is too thick, stir in water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Assemble the Salad:
– Place the chopped romaine lettuce in a large bowl.
– Add half the dressing, half the croutons, and half the shaved Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat.
– Add more dressing as desired, tossing until the salad is coated to your liking.
– Season to taste and top with the remaining croutons, remaining cheese, and several grinds of pepper.
Notes
If you’re vegetarian, use Parmesan cheese made with vegetarian enzymes and vegan Worcestershire sauce.
The dressing keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Cook techniques
Making Croutons
To make croutons, preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss cubed bread with olive oil and salt, then bake until golden and crisp.
Preparing Dressing
Combine mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until smooth, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust consistency with water if needed.
Assembling the Salad
In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce with half of the dressing, croutons, and shaved Parmesan. Toss to coat and season to taste. Add remaining ingredients on top.
FAQ
How do I make the croutons extra crispy?
Ensure that the bread is cubed into uniform pieces and allow them to bake until golden brown and crisp, checking frequently to prevent burning.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the dressing?
Yes, you can replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a vegan substitute if desired.
How long can I store the Caesar salad dressing?
The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes, use vegan mayonnaise, a vegetarian alternative for Parmesan cheese, and vegan Worcestershire sauce.
What type of bread works best for croutons?
Crusty bread like sourdough or Italian bread works best due to its texture, which holds up well during the baking process.
Conclusion
The classic Caesar Salad combines crisp romaine lettuce, savory croutons, and a creamy, flavorful dressing, making it a beloved dish for any occasion. Whether served as a side or a main course, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings for a refreshing and delicious salad. Enjoy your homemade creation, and don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients to personalize it to your taste!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Greek Salad
Swap romaine for a mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and red onion for a Mediterranean twist.
Chicken Caesar Salad
Add grilled or roasted chicken breast on top of your Caesar salad for additional protein, making it a heartier meal.
Caesar Pasta Salad
Incorporate cooked pasta, such as rotini or penne, into your Caesar salad for a filling side dish or main course.
Spicy Caesar Salad
Add a kick with sliced jalapeños or drizzle some hot sauce into your dressing for a spicy version of the classic salad.
Quinoa Caesar Salad
Mix in cooked quinoa to the salad for added texture and a protein boost, perfect for a wholesome vegetarian option.
