Description
Crisp romaine lettuce gets elevated in this classic Caesar salad, featuring a zesty homemade dressing that perfectly balances tangy and creamy notes. Fresh parmesan and crunchy croutons complete this timeless dish, inviting you to savor each refreshing bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese:
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded or shaved parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Base Ingredients:
- 8 cups romaine hearts, chopped
- 1/2 French baguette (about 340 grams / 12 ounces), cut into cubes (3/4 inch or preferred size)
Dressing and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (1 large lemon)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Craft the zesty dressing by blending mayonnaise, tangy lemon juice, pungent garlic, umami-rich anchovy paste, sharp Dijon mustard, robust Worcestershire sauce, cracked black pepper, and nutty parmesan cheese in a food processor until smoothly integrated.
- Adjust the dressing’s consistency by incorporating a splash of milk or water if it appears too dense, ensuring a silky, pourable texture.
- Prepare crispy croutons by heating the oven to 375˚F and transforming a baguette into rustic, bite-sized cubes or irregular pieces.
- Infuse olive oil with minced garlic, then generously coat the bread pieces, sprinkling with additional parmesan for extra flavor complexity.
- Arrange the seasoned bread on a baking sheet, spreading in a single layer to ensure even toasting, and bake for 15-20 minutes, rotating midway to achieve golden, crunchy perfection.
- Allow croutons to cool completely, preserving their crisp texture in an airtight container for future use.
- Thoroughly wash and meticulously dry romaine lettuce, then tear or chop into elegant, bite-sized segments.
- Transfer the prepared lettuce to a spacious serving vessel, cascading with delicate shavings or shreds of parmesan cheese.
- Scatter the cooled, crunchy croutons over the lettuce landscape.
- Drizzle the vibrant, homemade dressing across the salad, gently tossing to ensure each leaf is luxuriously coated with flavor.
Notes
- Customize the dressing by adjusting anchovy paste intensity for milder or bolder flavor profiles depending on personal preference.
- Opt for fresh garlic cloves instead of pre-minced for more vibrant, robust taste that elevates the entire salad experience.
- Transform this classic recipe into a protein-packed meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for vegetarian alternatives.
- Store homemade croutons in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb moisture and maintain crispy texture for longer periods.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 47 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg