Description
A classic Caesar salad recipe featuring homemade crunchy croutons and a rich, creamy dressing made with anchovy paste, Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon juice. Perfectly balanced with crispy romaine lettuce and a tangy Caesar dressing, this salad is ideal as a refreshing appetizer or a light meal.
Ingredients
Croutons
- ½ French baguette, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Caesar Dressing
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons anchovy paste
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, cut into large pieces
- ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Make the Croutons: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the cubed French baguette on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Drizzle olive oil over the bread cubes and season with salt and black pepper. Toss gently with your hands to evenly coat the bread. Bake in the oven until golden brown and crispy, about 7-8 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the Dressing: Mince the garlic cloves finely on a cutting board until it forms a paste. Add the anchovy paste on top and continue mincing together until well combined. Transfer this mixture to a small jar. Add mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper to the jar. Whisk all ingredients until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding salt or more lemon juice if desired.
- Assemble the Salad: Place the cut romaine lettuce into a large serving bowl. Top with shaved Parmesan cheese and the cooled croutons. Drizzle the freshly made Caesar dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine and coat all the lettuce pieces evenly with the dressing. Serve immediately, either cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use a sturdy baguette to ensure the croutons remain crispy.
- For a lighter dressing, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Anchovy paste can be adjusted according to taste or omitted for a milder flavor, though it is traditional.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for the best flavor.
- Serve the salad immediately after tossing to preserve the croutons' crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian