Classic Caesar Salad Recipe
Category: Salads
Serves: 4
This Caesar Salad is a delightful and timeless dish, known for its rich flavors and creamy dressing. The combination of fresh, crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy homemade croutons, and a zesty, velvety dressing makes it an ideal addition to any meal or perfect as a stand-alone dish. Follow this simple recipe for a classic Caesar salad that brings the iconic restaurant taste right to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Romaine lettuce | 4 leaves |
| Homemade bread (rustic bread) | 2 slices |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 100g |
| Garlic cloves | 2 |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh egg | 1 |
| Fine salt | to taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | to taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 150ml |
| White wine vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Romaine Lettuce
Begin by selecting the tender inner leaves of the romaine lettuce. Wash the leaves thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt and excess moisture. Pat them dry gently using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Once dried, tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and set them aside in a large mixing bowl. -
Prepare the Croutons
Slice the rustic bread into 1 cm thick pieces. Remove the crust from each slice to create a smoother, softer crouton. Cut the bread into smaller cubes, ideal for adding a perfect crunch to your salad. Toast the cubes in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crisp, turning them halfway through to ensure even browning. Let them cool. -
Make the Caesar Dressing
In the bowl of a food processor or blender, combine the fresh lemon juice, egg (make sure it’s very fresh), white wine vinegar, garlic cloves, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Blend these ingredients together until well combined. With the motor running, begin to slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. Continue blending until the dressing thickens to a creamy, mayonnaise-like consistency. This process should take a few minutes to achieve the desired thickness. -
Assemble the Caesar Salad
Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble your Caesar Salad. Start by arranging the lettuce pieces at the bottom of a large serving bowl or individual plates. Generously top the lettuce with the freshly made croutons and shave Parmigiano Reggiano cheese over the top. The cheese will add a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the salad to new heights. -
Dress and Serve
Pour the creamy Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the lettuce and croutons evenly. The dressing should cover each piece of lettuce with a velvety sheen, and the croutons should be perfectly soaked in flavor. Season with additional freshly ground black pepper, if desired. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and crunch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 550mg |
| Potassium | 280mg |
This classic Caesar Salad is a perfect combination of crispy, fresh, and creamy elements that will delight your taste buds. The rich, homemade dressing and crunchy croutons are the key components that set this salad apart, providing both texture and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or as a main dish, this Caesar Salad will surely become a family favorite!
