Caesar Salad is a timeless classic that combines crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and savory Parmesan cheese, all drizzled with a creamy dressing. This recipe takes the traditional Caesar Salad and adds a few twists to make it even more delicious. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side dish or a light meal, this Caesar Salad will leave you craving more. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual lunch to a dinner party starter.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 anchovy fillets (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
1. Prepare the Dressing:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. If you’re using anchovies, chop them finely and add them to the mixture. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The anchovies add a depth of flavor, but if you’re not a fan, feel free to skip them.
2. Toss the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the lettuce. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure that the lettuce is evenly coated. Make sure every piece of lettuce is lightly covered in the creamy dressing, enhancing the overall flavor of the salad.
3. Add the Croutons:
Top the salad with croutons just before serving to maintain their crunch. If you’re making homemade croutons, simply toss cubed bread in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning, then bake until golden brown. The croutons add a satisfying crunch that complements the tender lettuce and creamy dressing.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad immediately while the croutons are still crisp. For a more substantial meal, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even bacon. This Caesar Salad pairs wonderfully with a glass of crisp white wine or iced tea.
Tips for Variation
- Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad: Add slices of grilled chicken breast to make this salad a complete meal. The smoky flavor of the chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing.
- Kale Caesar Salad: Swap out the romaine for kale. The hearty greens will give the salad a bit more texture and a nutritional boost.
- Spicy Caesar Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a bit of heat. This variation is great for those who like a little spice in their life.
- Caesar Salad with Avocado: Toss in some sliced avocado for a creamy, rich addition that complements the tangy dressing.
- Vegetarian Caesar Salad: Skip the anchovies and Worcestershire sauce. Use a dash of soy sauce or miso for that umami flavor instead.
- Caesar Pasta Salad: Combine cooked pasta with your Caesar Salad ingredients for a delicious pasta salad version. Perfect for picnics or potlucks.
- Roasted Garlic Caesar Salad: Roast the garlic before adding it to the dressing for a sweeter, more mellow flavor.
- Caesar Salad Wrap: Wrap your Caesar Salad in a large tortilla for a portable lunch option. Add grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein.
Macros (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Sugars: 2g
FAQs
- Can I make Caesar Salad ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the dressing and chop the lettuce a few hours ahead. However, wait until just before serving to toss the salad and add the croutons to maintain their crunch.
- What’s the best way to store leftover Caesar Salad?
- Caesar Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the croutons may lose their crunch.
- Can I use store-bought dressing?
- Absolutely! While homemade dressing is always delicious, store-bought dressing is a convenient option. Just look for one with high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- How do I make Caesar Salad vegan?
- To make this salad vegan, skip the Parmesan cheese, anchovies, and Worcestershire sauce. Use vegan mayonnaise and nutritional yeast to mimic the cheesy flavor.
- Is Caesar Salad gluten-free?
- The salad itself is gluten-free, but traditional croutons contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free bread to make your croutons or skip them altogether.
Caesar Salad Recipe with a Twist: A Classic Salad You’ll Love
Ingredients
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons homemade or store-bought
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 anchovy fillets optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic.
- If using anchovies, chop them finely and add them to the mixture.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. (Note: Anchovies add depth of flavor but can be omitted if preferred.)
Toss the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the lettuce.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the lettuce evenly.
Add the Croutons:
- Top the salad with croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy.
- For homemade croutons, toss cubed bread in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning, then bake until golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the salad immediately while the croutons are still crisp.
- For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon.
- This Caesar Salad pairs well with a glass of crisp white wine or iced tea.