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Classic Ceasar Salad with Homemade Dressing

Classic Ceasar Salad with Homemade Dressing
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A classic Caesar Salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy homemade croutons, and a creamy, tangy dressing made from scratch with anchovies, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan. Perfect as a refreshing appetizer, light meal, or elegant side dish that offers balanced textures and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Lettuce

  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, rinsed and dried

Homemade Dressing

  • 4 anchovy fillets, finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 large egg yolk (or pasteurized egg yolk or mayonnaise alternative)
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Croutons

  • 2 cups day-old bread, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt

Garnishes

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
  • Optional: anchovy fillets or lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: Finely mince the anchovies and garlic to create a flavorful base. Whisk together anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and egg yolk until smooth. Slowly stream in olive oil while continuously whisking until the dressing thickens and becomes creamy. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese to complete the dressing.
  2. Prepare the Lettuce: Thoroughly rinse the romaine lettuce leaves and dry completely using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel. Tear into bite-sized pieces to ensure freshness and ease of dressing coating.
  3. Make or Toast Croutons: Cube day-old bread and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Toast the bread cubes in a skillet over medium heat or bake in the oven until golden and crisp. Allow croutons to cool before adding them to the salad.
  4. Combine and Toss: In a large bowl, add the torn romaine lettuce and pour the homemade dressing over it. Toss gently yet thoroughly so each leaf is evenly coated. Add the croutons and mix carefully to distribute evenly without crushing them.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper over the salad. For an elegant presentation, top with a few anchovy fillets or serve with a lemon wedge on the side. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh ingredients like quality olive oil and fresh lemon juice to maximize dressing flavor.
  • For safety, use pasteurized egg yolks or mayonnaise instead of raw egg yolk.
  • Dry lettuce well to prevent sogginess and diluted dressing.
  • Make croutons a day in advance and store in an airtight container to keep them crisp.
  • Taste and season dressing gradually to achieve a perfect balance of tang, salt, and umami.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar Salad, Homemade Dressing, Croutons, Classic Salad, Fresh Salad, Easy Salad

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/classic-ceasar-salad-with-homemade-dressing/