Caesar Salad Recipe: A Classic Done Right
The Caesar salad. A simple yet elegant dish that's graced tables worldwide. This recipe will guide you through making a truly authentic Caesar salad, from the homemade dressing to the perfect crisp romaine. Forget those watery, pre-made versions; this is the real deal.
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2-4 people. Adjust quantities as needed.
For the Dressing:
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (optional, but adds a depth of flavour!)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Salad:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup croutons (homemade are best – see instructions below!)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Making the Caesar Dressing:
- Combine ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, anchovies (if using), and Parmesan cheese.
- Slowly whisk in oil: While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is emulsified and creamy.
- Add lemon juice: Stir in the lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. More salt, pepper, or lemon juice might be to your liking.
Assembling the Salad:
- Prepare the romaine: Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Add dressing: Place the chopped romaine in a large bowl. Pour the Caesar dressing over the lettuce and toss gently to coat evenly. Avoid over-mixing, as you want to keep the lettuce crisp.
- Add croutons and Parmesan: Gently toss in the croutons and the remaining grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately: Caesar salad is best enjoyed fresh.
Homemade Croutons:
- Cube bread: Cut stale bread (a baguette or sourdough work well) into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Toast: Toss the bread cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Tips for the Perfect Caesar Salad:
- High-quality ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. The better your ingredients, the better your salad will taste.
- Don't overdress: It's easy to add too much dressing. Start with less and add more as needed. You want the lettuce to be coated, but not soggy.
- Freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains cellulose, which affects the texture and flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best.
- Experiment with variations: Once you've mastered the classic recipe, feel free to experiment with adding other ingredients, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables.
This recipe provides a foundation for a delicious and authentic Caesar salad. Enjoy the process of making it from scratch – the results are well worth the effort! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us using #HomemadeCaesarSalad. Happy cooking!
