Caesar Salad Recipe

 Caesar Salad

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 1 large head of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Croutons (store-bought or homemade – see below)

For the Caesar Dressing:

• 2-3 anchovy fillets (optional but traditional)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Homemade Croutons:

• 3 cups of cubed day-old bread (like French or Italian bread)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions:

For the Homemade Croutons:

1. Preheat the oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss the bread: In a large bowl, toss the cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Bake: Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy, tossing halfway through. Let them cool.

For the Caesar Dressing:

1. Mash the anchovies and garlic: If using anchovies, mash them into a paste with the minced garlic in a small bowl.
2. Mix the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the anchovy-garlic paste (if using), Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Add olive oil: Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For Assembling the Salad:

1. Toss the lettuce: In a large bowl, combine the torn romaine lettuce and the prepared Caesar dressing. Toss until the lettuce is evenly coated.
2. Add toppings: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and top with homemade croutons.
3. Serve immediately: Enjoy as a side or add grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a heartier meal.

This Caesar Salad is crisp, flavorful, and perfect as an appetizer or main dish!