Caesar Salad Recipe

This Caesar Salad is a perfect blend of crisp romaine, crunchy homemade croutons, and a tangy, creamy dressing. It’s a timeless side dish or light meal with bold flavors, and this version balances freshness with savory richness. The homemade croutons add texture, and the dressing is a bright, garlicky complement to the Parmesan and lettuce.

Ingredients (Serves 4 as a side salad)

For the Croutons:

• ½ French Baguette (cut in half lengthwise and thinly sliced into ¼” pieces)
• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp minced garlic (about 2 small cloves)
• 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Caesar Salad Dressing:

• 2 small garlic cloves (minced, about 1 tsp)
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1½ tsp red wine vinegar
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ tsp sea salt (or to taste)
• ⅛ tsp black pepper (plus more to serve)

For the Salad:

• 1 large head romaine lettuce (or 2 small heads), chopped or torn into bite-sized pieces
• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded or shaved)

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Instructions

How to Make Croutons:

1. Preheat your oven to 350˚F.
2. Cut the French baguette in half lengthwise, then slice it diagonally into ¼” thick pieces.
3. Spread the bread slices evenly on a baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, mix together 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 1 tsp minced garlic.
5. Drizzle the garlic oil mixture over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is lightly coated.
6. Sprinkle the 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese on top, then toss to coat.
7. Bake at 350˚F for 10-12 minutes, or until the croutons are lightly golden and crispy.

How to Make Caesar Salad Dressing:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar.
2. Slowly drizzle in ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, whisking constantly to emulsify the dressing.
3. Season with ½ tsp salt and ⅛ tsp black pepper, adjusting to taste.

How to Assemble Caesar Salad:

1. Rinse, dry, and chop or tear the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place the lettuce into a large serving bowl.
2. Sprinkle generously with shredded or shaved Parmesan and the cooled croutons.
3. Drizzle the prepared Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the lettuce evenly.

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Tips:

• Croutons: For even more flavor, toast the croutons until deeply golden and crisp. You can also add extra garlic or herbs to the oil mixture before baking.
• Dressing: Adjust the garlic and lemon juice to your personal taste for a stronger or milder dressing. For a creamier version, blend in a small amount of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the croutons and dressing ahead of time. Store the croutons in an airtight container at room temperature, and the dressing in the fridge for up to 3 days.

This Caesar Salad is a quick, fresh, and classic addition to any meal. The combination of crispy croutons, tangy dressing, and crunchy romaine creates a dish that’s not only versatile but also packed with flavor.