Description
This classic Caesar Salad recipe features crisp romaine lettuce, homemade crunchy croutons, and a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing made from mayonnaise, garlic, anchovy paste, and fresh lemon juice, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick, flavorful salad that can be enjoyed as a light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 head Romaine Lettuce
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Croutons
Dressing
- 1/3 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Anchovy Paste
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- Freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste
Croutons
- 2 cups Bread cubes (day-old bread preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Instructions
- Prepare the lettuce: Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce leaves until crisp. Roughly chop or tear into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Make the croutons: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the bread cubes with olive oil until evenly coated. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crisp, stirring halfway through for even cooking. Remove and let cool.
- Whisk the dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Toss the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the prepared romaine lettuce and pour the dressing over it. Toss well to coat all the leaves evenly with the dressing.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the tossed salad and gently mix again. Add the cooled croutons on top.
- Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the crunchiness of the lettuce and croutons at their freshest.
Notes
- For an extra zing, add freshly grated lemon zest to the dressing.
- You can substitute anchovy paste with Worcestershire sauce if preferred.
- Use day-old bread for croutons for best texture.
- To make it vegetarian, omit anchovy paste or use a vegetarian anchovy substitute.
- For gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread for croutons.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
