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Classic Ceasar Salad with Homemade Dressing

Classic Ceasar Salad with Homemade Dressing

Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing is a fresh, crisp, and flavorful salad featuring crunchy romaine lettuce, savory croutons, and rich Parmesan cheese. The creamy homemade dressing is made from scratch with garlic, anchovies, egg yolk, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce, creating an irresistible umami-packed flavor. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this recipe combines authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and simple preparation for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • Romaine lettuce – fresh, crunchy leaves, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • Parmesan cheese – freshly grated
  • Croutons – homemade or store-bought

Dressing Ingredients

  • Garlic – freshly minced, about 1-2 cloves
  • Anchovy fillets – 2 to 3 fillets
  • Egg yolk – 1 large
  • Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
  • Dijon mustard – 1 teaspoon
  • Olive oil – 1/3 cup
  • Worcestershire sauce – 1 teaspoon
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – freshly ground, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together minced garlic, anchovy fillets, egg yolk, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing into a creamy consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  2. Wash and chop the romaine: Rinse the romaine lettuce thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner. Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
  3. Make or heat croutons: If using store-bought croutons, ensure they are fresh and crunchy. For homemade, toss cubed bread with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until golden and crisp.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, toss the chopped romaine with a generous amount of the homemade dressing, ensuring every leaf is lightly coated. Add croutons and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, tossing gently but thoroughly.
  5. Serve immediately: For best flavor and texture, serve the salad immediately after dressing to keep the romaine crisp and croutons crunchy.

Notes

  • Use fresh ingredients such as fresh garlic, lemons, and high-quality olive oil for the best dressing flavor.
  • Add olive oil slowly while whisking to emulsify the dressing properly and prevent separation.
  • Toast croutons until golden to ensure they remain crunchy in the salad.
  • Chill lettuce and mixing bowl beforehand to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
  • Taste the dressing during preparation to adjust salt, acidity, and umami levels as preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar salad, classic Caesar, homemade dressing, romaine lettuce, anchovies, Parmesan, croutons, healthy salad, easy salad, creamy dressing