Caesar Salad Recipe
The Caesar Salad is a quintessential dish that perfectly balances crisp textures and bold flavors. With its crunchy romaine lettuce, golden croutons, and creamy Parmesan-infused dressing, it’s no wonder this salad has become a timeless favorite. Whether served as a versatile side or a light yet satisfying meal, the Caesar Salad never fails to impress.
Ingredients Overview
This salad’s success relies on the quality and harmony of its ingredients, each playing a vital role in crafting the perfect bite.
Romaine lettuce is the ideal base, offering a crisp and refreshing texture that stands up to the creamy dressing. Homemade croutons, crafted from crusty bread, bring a satisfying crunch and a touch of rustic charm. Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory note that ties everything together.
The Caesar dressing is the heart of the dish, blending mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce for a rich, tangy profile. A hint of garlic provides depth, while freshly cracked black pepper adds just the right amount of spice.
For variety, consider adding kale or mixed greens for a twist on the traditional base. Anchovies or capers can also be incorporated into the dressing for an extra layer of umami.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Perfecting this classic salad starts with careful attention to detail at every stage of preparation.
The croutons are best made from day-old crusty bread, which toasts evenly without becoming overly dense. Cut the bread into cubes and coat them with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. Spread the cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them at 350°F until golden brown and crispy, typically 10 to 18 minutes. Let them cool completely to maintain their crunch.
The dressing is all about balance. Combine mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Whisk until smooth, then season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently fold in grated Parmesan for a creamy, tangy finish. If the dressing seems too thick, add water a teaspoon at a time to achieve the desired consistency.
To assemble, toss the romaine lettuce with half of the prepared dressing in a large bowl. Add half of the croutons and shaved Parmesan cheese, ensuring every piece is lightly coated. Layer the remaining croutons and cheese on top for an elegant presentation. Adjust with additional dressing to taste.
Recipe Tips
Achieving the Ideal Crunch:
Day-old bread works best for croutons, as it absorbs the oil evenly and toasts beautifully. Avoid overdressing the lettuce to keep it crisp.
Making Ahead and Storing:
Prepare the dressing and croutons in advance, storing them separately. Combine with the lettuce just before serving for maximum freshness.
Customizing the Flavor:
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs to transform this salad into a hearty main dish.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Pair this Caesar Salad with complementary dishes to create a balanced meal.
For beverages, a crisp white wine or sparkling water infused with citrus makes an excellent match. As a side dish, pair the salad with a creamy soup, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to complement its bold flavors. Pasta dishes or grilled proteins, like steak or salmon, also pair beautifully with this versatile salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make the Croutons Ahead of Time?
Store prepared croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This ensures they stay crisp and ready to use.
What if I Don’t Have Worcestershire Sauce?
Soy sauce or a small amount of anchovy paste can replicate the umami flavor. Adjust quantities to taste.
How Do I Adjust the Dressing’s Consistency?
Add water or lemon juice, a teaspoon at a time, until the dressing reaches your desired level of creaminess.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
For an elegant presentation, serve the salad in a large bowl with a drizzle of extra dressing and a garnish of freshly shaved Parmesan. Alternatively, arrange individual servings on plates, layering the lettuce, croutons, and cheese for a refined look. A sprinkle of parsley or a light drizzle of olive oil adds a final flourish.
The Caesar Salad is a timeless classic that combines simple ingredients into a dish that’s both elegant and satisfying. Its versatility allows it to shine as a side dish or a standalone meal, making it a must-try for any occasion. With its bold flavors and effortless preparation, this recipe brings restaurant-quality results to your table with ease.
Ingredients
For the Croutons
4 cups cubed crusty bread
Sea salt, for sprinkling
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Caesar Salad Dressing
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove, grated
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
Freshly ground black pepper
½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Begin by preparing the croutons. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the bread cubes evenly across the sheet, then drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Toss the bread to coat thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of the oil and seasoning. Arrange the cubes in a single layer and bake for 10 to 18 minutes, checking frequently to ensure they turn golden brown and crispy without overbaking. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
To make the dressing, take a medium-sized bowl or a liquid measuring cup and whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt. Add several grinds of fresh black pepper for a burst of flavor. Mix until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the grated Parmesan cheese and taste for seasoning. If the dressing feels too thick, add water gradually, a teaspoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.
Assemble the salad by placing the romaine lettuce into a large serving bowl. Drizzle half of the prepared dressing over the greens and toss gently to coat. Add half of the croutons and half of the shaved Parmesan cheese, tossing lightly again to combine. Adjust the salad by adding more dressing if needed, ensuring the lettuce is well-coated but not overly saturated.
To finish, top the salad with the remaining croutons, additional cheese, and a final grind of fresh black pepper for a touch of sharpness. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Caesar Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Croutons
- 4 cups cubed crusty bread
- Sea salt for sprinkling
- Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Caesar Salad Dressing
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove grated
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
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the croutons. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the bread cubes evenly across the sheet, then drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Toss the bread to coat thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of the oil and seasoning. Arrange the cubes in a single layer and bake for 10 to 18 minutes, checking frequently to ensure they turn golden brown and crispy without overbaking. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
- To make the dressing, take a medium-sized bowl or a liquid measuring cup and whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt. Add several grinds of fresh black pepper for a burst of flavor. Mix until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the grated Parmesan cheese and taste for seasoning. If the dressing feels too thick, add water gradually, a teaspoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Assemble the salad by placing the romaine lettuce into a large serving bowl. Drizzle half of the prepared dressing over the greens and toss gently to coat. Add half of the croutons and half of the shaved Parmesan cheese, tossing lightly again to combine. Adjust the salad by adding more dressing if needed, ensuring the lettuce is well-coated but not overly saturated.
- To finish, top the salad with the remaining croutons, additional cheese, and a final grind of fresh black pepper for a touch of sharpness. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.