Homemade Caesar Salad (Simplified)
User Reviews
5
Homemade Caesar Salad (Simplified)
Description
The salad combines romaine lettuce with a classic Caesar dressing prepared by mashing anchovies, garlic, and capers, then emulsifying with lemon juice, egg yolk, Dijon mustard, and olive oil to create a creamy, savory sauce. Grated parmesan adds depth and richness. Homemade croutons made from cubed sourdough bread tossed in olive oil and baked until crisp provide a toasted contrast in texture. Combining these elements creates a salad with fresh, sharp, salty, and creamy tastes and crisp textures.
For best results, the lettuce is thoroughly dried and tossed in dressing just before serving to prevent wilting. Adding croutons last keeps them crisp. The recipe encourages rinsing capers to reduce saltiness if desired and suggests using an immersion blender for a smoother dressing. Grating fresh parmesan just before tossing enhances flavor. The salad works well as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Croutons
- 4 lices sourdough bread
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Dressing
- 4 anchovies
- 1 clove garlic grated
- 1 tsp capers
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- ½ cup parmesan grated
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Salad
- 1 head romaine lettuce
Instructions
Croutons
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Cut the sourdough bread into 1-inch cubes. and toss the sourdough pieces with the olive oil.
- Spread in one single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring a couple of times so they're crispy on all sides.
Dressing
- Place the anchovies with garlic and capers in a wooden bowl and mash using a fork. You can also finely chop everything.
- Add in the lemon juice, egg yolk, and Dijon mustard. Mix and make sure it is all well combined.
- Add in the olive oil and mix until creamy and emulsified. You can use an immersion blender if preferred.
- Stir in the grated parmesan. Toss the romaine lettuce in the dressing and top with the croutons.
Notes
- Rinse capers under cold water to remove excess salt before adding to the dressing.
- Use an immersion blender to create a creamier, velvety dressing texture.
- Select fresh, crisp romaine lettuce hearts and thoroughly dry them after washing.
- Toss lettuce in the dressing just before serving to keep leaves crisp and avoid wilting.
- Add croutons last to maintain their crunch and consider including toasted nuts or seeds for extra texture.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh just before serving for better flavor and texture than pre-grated cheese.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 227 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 227kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 9% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 40mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 422mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 357mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 9202IU | 184% |
| Vitamin C | 14mg | 16% |
| Calcium | 169mg | 17% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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