Classic Caesar Salad

Classic Caesar Salad

Nothing beats a fresh, crisp Caesar salad whether it’s served as a starter or as a main dish alongside your favorite entrées. In this recipe, we’ll take you through the steps to create a classic Caesar salad, complete with homemade croutons and a deliciously creamy Caesar dressing.

Ingredients:

• 1 head of Romaine lettuce, washed and dried
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup croutons
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 anchovy fillets (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 egg yolk (or 2 tablespoons mayonnaise for a raw egg-free version)

For the Croutons:

• 2 cups cubed bread
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) for the croutons.
2. Toss the bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt, and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Bake until golden and crisp, about 10-15 minutes, then set aside to cool.
4. For the dressing, combine the minced garlic, anchovy fillets, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
5. Whisk in the egg yolk until the mixture is well combined.
6. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing emulsifies and thickens.
7. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Tear the Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl.
9. Add the Parmesan cheese, prepared croutons, and dressing.
10. Toss everything together until the salad is well coated.
11. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

This Caesar salad recipe is a timeless classic that will leave everyone asking for seconds. By making your croutons and dressing from scratch, you elevate this simple dish into something special. Enjoy!