Description
A classic and refreshing Caesar Salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy homemade croutons, tangy Caesar dressing, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, perfect for a quick and delicious starter or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 head Romaine Lettuce, washed and dried
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 cup Croutons (homemade or store-bought)
Caesar Dressing
- 1/3 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Anchovy Paste
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- Freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste
Croutons
- 2 cups Bread Cubed
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
- Prepare Lettuce: Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce until crisp to ensure the salad is fresh and crunchy.
- Make Croutons: Cube the bread into bite-sized pieces, toss with olive oil to evenly coat, then bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Whisk Dressing: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, and freshly ground black pepper; whisk until smooth and well blended.
- Toss Salad: In a large bowl, add the crisp romaine lettuce and drizzle with the prepared Caesar dressing; toss gently to coat all the leaves evenly without bruising them.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and freshly baked croutons on top of the dressed salad for added texture and flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Caesar salad right away to enjoy the maximum crunchiness of the lettuce and croutons.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Anchovy paste can be adjusted or omitted for a milder taste.
- Store leftover dressing separately in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
- For a vegetarian version, omit anchovy paste or replace with a vegetarian alternative.
- Croutons can be seasoned with herbs or garlic powder before baking for extra flavor.
