Description
Culinary magic unfolds with this classic caesar salad, a legendary dish that blends crisp romaine, parmesan shavings, and homemade dressing. Crunchy croutons and a zesty anchovy-infused vinaigrette elevate this timeless favorite, promising a restaurant-quality experience you’ll savor at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup fresh parmesan cheese
- 1 cup homemade croutons
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 anchovy fillets
Instructions
- Carefully separate romaine lettuce leaves, rinse thoroughly under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.
- Tear lettuce into rustic, bite-sized pieces, arranging them in a spacious serving vessel.
- Craft the signature dressing by vigorously blending mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, finely minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well-integrated.
- Incorporate anchovy paste for an authentic umami depth, then season with a delicate balance of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Sprinkle generously grated Parmesan cheese over the crisp lettuce leaves.
- Create golden, crunchy croutons by toasting bread cubes until they reach a perfect golden-brown color and crisp texture.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly across the salad, ensuring complete coverage.
- Gently toss all components with two large utensils, allowing each lettuce piece to become elegantly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Present the salad immediately to maintain optimal freshness and crispness of the ingredients.
Notes
- Crouton Crunch: Ensure homemade croutons are crispy by tossing bread cubes with olive oil and baking until golden brown for maximum texture.
- Dressing Depth: Use fresh garlic and high-quality anchovies to elevate the dressing’s authentic flavor profile and create a more robust taste.
- Veggie Variation: Substitute traditional anchovy paste with capers or miso paste for a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the umami essence.
- Prep Perfection: Chill ingredients beforehand and dress the salad just before serving to prevent lettuce from becoming soggy and maintain crisp freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: No cooking method
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg