The Caesar salad – a timeless classic that never goes out of style. This recipe takes you on a journey to create a restaurant-quality Caesar salad in your own kitchen, complete with homemade croutons and a creamy, flavorful dressing.
The key to a truly exceptional Caesar salad lies in the perfect balance of textures and tastes. Crispy croutons add a delightful crunch, while the rich and creamy dressing coats the romaine lettuce with garlicky goodness. A generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds a salty and umami depth, making every bite a symphony of flavors.
So, ditch the store-bought dressings and croutons, and get ready to experience the true magic of a homemade Caesar salad!
What You’ll Need:
- For the Croutons:
- ½ French baguette, thinly sliced (about ¼ inch thick)
- 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 (about 1 teaspoon)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons red wine vinegar
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, plus more for serving
- For the Caesar Salad:
- 1 large romaine lettuce, or 2 small heads
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, shredded or shaved
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450 (based on 2 servings per recipe)
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 400mg (depending on salt intake)
Let’s Make a Caesar Salad!
- Craft the Croutons: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice your baguette into thin, bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and minced garlic. Toss the bread slices with the garlic oil mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated. Sprinkle the croutons with grated parmesan cheese and toss again. Arrange the croutons on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Whisk Up the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly to emulsify the dressing. This creates a smooth and creamy texture. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Lettuce: Wash and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly. Chop or tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large serving bowl.
- Assemble the Salad: Gently toss the romaine lettuce with the parmesan cheese. Add the cooled croutons and drizzle with the homemade Caesar dressing. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Season with additional black pepper, if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy! Sit back, relax, and savor your restaurant-quality Caesar salad, made fresh in your own kitchen!
Tips:
- Toast leftover bread cubes for croutons instead of using a baguette.
- If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can substitute it with regular yellow mustard.
- For a vegetarian option, you can add grilled or roasted chicken breast to the salad.
- Leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
We hope you love this classic Caesar salad recipe! It’s a perfect way to impress your guests or enjoy a delightful and healthy lunch.
Do you have a favorite twist on the Caesar salad? Share your creations in the comments below!
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