Caesar salad—what a legend in the salad universe, right? It’s like the little black dress of the culinary world, always in style, always hitting the mark. I remember the first time I had one, and it was at this tiny, hole-in-the-wall Italian place that no longer exists (RIP), where the waiter actually made it tableside.
The crunch of the croutons, the zing of the dressing, it was. . .
unforgettable. And speaking of unforgettable, have you ever tried adding a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning? Absolute game-changer.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350?F. Slice a French baguette in half lengthwise and then into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet.
- Mix 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Drizzle this mixture over the baguette slices and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Toss the bread slices to coat them evenly, then spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the croutons are golden and crisp.
- In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. Whisk the mixture while slowly drizzling in extra virgin olive oil to emulsify it into a smooth dressing.
- Add salt and black pepper to the dressing, adjusting to taste. Continue whisking until everything is well mixed.
- Rinse and dry a large head of romaine lettuce, then chop or tear it into bite-sized pieces. Place the lettuce in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle the lettuce generously with shredded Parmesan cheese and add the cooled croutons. Drizzle with the Caesar dressing and gently toss until the lettuce is evenly coated.
Ingredients
- 1/2 French Baguette, cut in half lengthwise and thinly sliced (1/4″ thick)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (from 2 small cloves)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce (or 2 small heads)
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded or shaved
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1156 kcal | Carbs: 36 g | Protein: 16 g | Fat: 104 g | Saturated Fat: 16 g | Cholesterol: 36 mg | Sodium: 2384 mg | Potassium: 224 mg | Vitamin A: 2720 IU | Vitamin C: 7.6 mg | Calcium: 540 mg | Iron: 3.2 mg
FAQ
- What ingredients are necessary for a classic Caesar salad?
- To make a traditional Caesar salad, you will need romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese (either shredded or shaved), crisp croutons, and Caesar dressing. Homemade croutons and dressing are recommended for the best flavor.
- How can I make homemade croutons for my Caesar salad?
- To prepare homemade croutons, cut a baguette into 1/4-inch slices. Toss these slices with a mixture of extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake until they reach your desired crispness.
- What is the method for making Caesar salad dressing from scratch?
- Combine minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar in a bowl. As you whisk, gradually add extra virgin olive oil to emulsify the dressing, resulting in a smooth consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- How do I assemble a Caesar salad?
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped or torn romaine lettuce with shredded Parmesan cheese and cooled croutons. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss gently until the lettuce is evenly coated.
- Can I prepare croutons in advance?
- Yes, homemade croutons can be prepared several days ahead and stored, making them convenient for quick assembly of your Caesar salad.
Tips
- Make Croutons in Advance: Prepare your homemade croutons ahead of time. They can be made several days in advance, saving you time on the day you plan to serve the salad.
- Emulsify the Dressing Properly: When making the Caesar dressing, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking. This process ensures a smooth, creamy consistency rather than an oily one.
- Create Parmesan Shavings Easily: Use a potato peeler to create elegant parmesan shavings from a block of cheese. This technique is simple and adds a professional touch to your salad presentation.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh romaine lettuce and freshly grated or shaved parmesan cheese. Fresh ingredients will elevate the overall taste and texture of your salad.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl (large and small)
- Potato peeler (for parmesan shavings)
