Caesar Salad
A large wooden salad bowl filled with crisp romaine lettuce leaves coated in creamy Caesar dressing, topped with golden homemade croutons and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, with salad tongs on the side and individual plates ready for serving
Ingredients
Nutrition Facts
* Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.
Instructions
Make Homemade Croutons
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut day-old bread into 3/4-inch cubes and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and spread in a single layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Pro Tip:
Use day-old bread for best results - fresh bread will become soggy instead of crispy
Prepare Caesar Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Add anchovy paste if using for authentic flavor. Slowly drizzle in remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil while whisking constantly to emulsify. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Pro Tip:
Make dressing ahead of time and refrigerate - flavors improve after sitting for 30 minutes
Prepare and Dress the Lettuce
Wash romaine lettuce thoroughly and pat completely dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner. Chop into bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl. Add about 3/4 of the Caesar dressing and toss gently with salad tongs to coat all leaves evenly. Add more dressing as needed - leaves should be well-coated but not drowning.
Pro Tip:
Dry lettuce completely to prevent dressing from becoming watery and sliding off the leaves
Assemble and Serve
Top the dressed lettuce with warm homemade croutons and remaining 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss lightly one final time to distribute toppings evenly. Serve immediately on chilled plates with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper on the side. Provide extra dressing for those who want more.
Pro Tip:
Serve on chilled plates to keep the salad crisp longer, and add croutons just before serving to maintain crunch
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