A Caesar Salad is a timeless dish, known for its bold flavors and crunchy textures. With its tangy dressing, crispy homemade croutons, and fresh romaine lettuce, this salad is perfect as a side dish or a light meal. The classic Caesar dressing is rich with garlic, anchovies, and Parmesan cheese, offering a savory kick that pairs beautifully with the freshness of the lettuce. This recipe is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold and Tangy Dressing: The combination of garlic, anchovies, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan makes for a rich and flavorful dressing.
- Homemade Croutons: Crisp, garlicky croutons made from cubed bread take this salad to the next level.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or as a main course with grilled chicken, this Caesar salad is versatile and satisfying.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This Caesar Salad recipe is ideal for anyone who loves a fresh, flavorful salad with a rich, creamy dressing. It’s perfect for those who enjoy making homemade croutons and dressing, giving you the satisfaction of a truly made-from-scratch meal. Whether you’re looking for a delicious side dish or a light and healthy lunch, this Caesar salad fits the bill.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 5 cloves of garlic, divided (2 minced, 3 cut in fourths)
- 6 anchovy fillets, minced
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Croutons:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, quartered
- 3 cups cubed white bread
For the Salad:
- 1 head of Romaine lettuce, sliced into bite-size pieces
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Small mixing bowl
- Heavy skillet
- Large salad bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Paper towel-covered plate
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Caesar Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, combine:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 6 minced anchovy fillets
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Add salt and pepper to taste, then whisk everything together until smooth and well-combined. Set the dressing aside.
2. Make the Homemade Croutons
In a heavy skillet, heat ¼ cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the 3 quartered garlic cloves and cook until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Once the garlic is browned, remove it from the skillet and discard it.
Next, add the 3 cups of cubed white bread to the garlic-infused oil. Stir the bread cubes frequently until they are golden and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the croutons from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-covered plate to drain any excess oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, add the bite-sized pieces of Romaine lettuce. Pour the prepared Caesar dressing over the lettuce and toss gently to coat the lettuce evenly with the dressing.
4. Serve
Top the dressed salad with the homemade croutons and sprinkle the remaining 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and freshly squeezed lemon juice will give your dressing the best flavor.
- Adjust the Garlic: If you prefer a more subtle garlic flavor, you can reduce the amount of garlic used in the dressing.
- Store the Croutons Separately: If you’re making the salad ahead of time, store the croutons separately to prevent them from getting soggy.
