Classic Caesar SaladÂ
Description
A Classic Caesar Salad is a simple yet elegant dish featuring crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, shaved Parmesan, and a rich, tangy homemade Caesar dressing. This timeless salad is perfect as a light meal, a side dish, or a base for adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup homemade Caesar dressing (recipe below)
- ½ cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Homemade Caesar Dressing:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 anchovy fillets, finely minced (optional but adds authentic flavor)
- 1 egg yolk (for creaminess and emulsification)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, anchovies, egg yolk, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until combined.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing thickens and emulsifies.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, add romaine lettuce and drizzle with Caesar dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Add croutons and shaved Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Toss lightly again and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Caesar Salad
✅ Use fresh, crisp romaine lettuce – It holds up well to the creamy dressing.
✅ Make homemade croutons – Cube day-old bread, toss with olive oil and garlic powder, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until golden brown.
✅ Whisk the dressing well – This ensures a smooth and creamy texture.
✅ Customize it – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even avocado for a heartier salad.
Servings & Nutritional Info
Servings: Makes 2–3 servings
Calories per serving (1 bowl of salad with dressing): ~320 kcal
- Protein: ~9g
- Carbs: ~15g
- Fat: ~24g
- Fiber: ~3g
Health Benefits
✨ Romaine Lettuce – Low in calories but rich in fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin K.
✨ Olive Oil – Heart-healthy fats that support good cholesterol.
✨ Parmesan Cheese – Provides protein and calcium for bone health.
✨ Egg Yolk & Anchovies – Great sources of healthy fats, vitamins, and umami flavor.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: It’s best eaten fresh, but you can prep the dressing and croutons in advance. Store the dressing in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I make the dressing without anchovies?
A: Yes! You can skip them or use 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami flavor.
Q: How do I make this salad vegetarian?
A: Omit the anchovies and use a vegetarian-friendly Parmesan alternative.
Q: Can I store leftover salad?
A: No, dressed salad becomes soggy. However, you can store undressed romaine and dressing separately.
This Classic Caesar Salad is simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. Try it out and let me know if you want any variations!