Classic Caesar Salad

The Birth of a Classic Caesar Salad

My Favorite is Classic Caesar Salad and Growing up, I always admired my grandmother’s knack for transforming simple ingredients into memorable dishes. One of her favorites was the Caesar Salad, a dish she claimed was as old as her kitchen itself. The story behind this salad fascinated me: a blend of crispy croutons, crisp romaine lettuce, and a tangy dressing, all brought together by a touch of cheese. Every time I made it, I felt a connection to my grandmother and her love for cooking.

Crafting Homemade Croutons

One of the first things I learned from Grandma was how to make croutons from scratch. It’s surprisingly simple, yet incredibly satisfying. I’d start by slicing a French baguette into thin pieces and tossing them with olive oil and garlic. The smell of these croutons baking in the oven is one of those homey scents that fills the kitchen with warmth. As they turn golden brown, they become crunchy little pieces of perfection, ready to top off our salad.

Perfecting the Caesar Dressing

The Caesar dressing was another special part of the recipe. Mixing together garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice seemed like a simple task, but it’s all about achieving the right balance. I remember whisking the olive oil in slowly, creating a creamy emulsion that’s both rich and light. It’s this dressing that gives the salad its distinctive flavor, a perfect blend of tangy and savory.

Serving the Salad with Love

When it came time to serve the salad, I always made sure to toss it gently with the dressing, just enough to coat every piece of lettuce without making it soggy. The final touch was a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, adding a sharp, nutty flavor. This salad wasn’t just a side dish; it was a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Every bite was a reminder of Grandma’s kitchen, her love for food, and the timeless appeal of a Classic Caesar Salad.

Chef’s Notes-Classic Caesar Salad

• For the best flavor, use fresh romaine lettuce and high-quality Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan will give your salad a richer taste compared to pre-grated options.
• To achieve perfectly crisp croutons, ensure they are spread in a single layer on the baking sheet and avoid overcrowding. This helps them cook evenly.
• Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp. If you prepare the salad in advance, keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving.
• Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a bit more lemon juice or Worcestershire sauce.
• Make sure your lettuce is thoroughly dried after washing. Excess moisture can dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy.

Grilled Romaine Caesar

Course: Salad, Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

4

minutes

Calories

150

kcal

Total time

9

minutes

Elevate your salad game with this smoky Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad! Perfectly charred romaine hearts are paired with rich Caesar dressing, salty Parmesan, and crunchy croutons. This dish is a delightful twist on the classic Caesar salad, offering a burst of flavors that will leave you craving more. Ideal for a light lunch or a side dish, this recipe is quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Enjoy it with a glass of light wine and savor every bite!

Ingredients

• 4 Romaine hearts halved lengthwise

• 1/2 cup Caesar salad dressing

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated

• 1 cup Croutons

• Cooking spray

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Romaine hearts: Can be replaced with baby gem lettuce.

• Caesar salad dressing: Use a vegan Caesar dressing for a vegan option.

• Parmesan cheese: Substitute with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

• Croutons: Use gluten-free croutons if needed.

Directions

• Making Croutons: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the French bread into 1/4-inch thick pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil and finely chopped garlic. Drizzle this mixture over the bread slices and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat evenly and spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the croutons are golden and crisp.
• Preparing the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. While whisking continuously, slowly pour in the olive oil to emulsify the dressing. Season with sea salt and ground black pepper to taste.
• Assembling the Salad: Rinse and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly before chopping or tearing it into bite-sized pieces. Place the lettuce in a large serving bowl and sprinkle generously with shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese and the cooled croutons. Drizzle the prepared Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure the lettuce is evenly coated.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• tongs

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 150kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Potassium: 200mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 60IU
• Vitamin C: 20mg
• Calcium: 10mg
• Iron: 6mg

FAQ-Classic Caesar Salad

Can I make the croutons ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare croutons a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container to keep them crispy. Just re-crisp them in the oven for a few minutes if they lose their crunch.

What can I use as a substitute for Parmesan cheese?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. For a different cheese, try Pecorino Romano.

Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread for the croutons, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free Caesar salad.

How can I make the dressing creamier?

To make the dressing creamier, you can add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. This will give the dressing a richer texture without overpowering the classic Caesar flavor.

What can I add to the salad for extra flavor or texture?

Consider adding cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, or grilled chicken for added flavor and texture. Bacon bits or anchovy fillets can also enhance the traditional Caesar salad experience.