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Caesar Salad Recipe

Caesar Salad Recipe - Easy Family Meal

Picture this: a warm summer day, a gathering of friends and family, laughter echoing around the patio. What better way to showcase your culinary skills than with a gloriously fresh Caesar salad? This doesn’t have to be just another side dish. It can serve as the star of your table, with flavors that are both bold and comforting.
Having whipped up countless variations of this classic, I wanted to create a Caesar salad recipe that boasts authenticity and ease. Often, it feels daunting to tackle a favorite dish, but trust me, the reward is absolutely worth it. In this blog post, really dig into what makes the best Caesar salad and why you’ll want to make it again and again.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 French baguette, halved lengthwise and sliced thinly about 1/4” thick
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic from 2 small cloves
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian herb mix
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for serving
  • 2 small garlic cloves, finely minced about 1 teaspoon
  • 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 large head of romaine lettuce or 2 small romaine hearts
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or coarsely shredded
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts optional but delicious

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Croutons
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the sliced baguette, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, and Parmesan cheese. Toss until the bread is well-coated. Spread the bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, tossing halfway through. Let them cool and then set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
  1. While the croutons are baking, let's whip up the dressing. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper as needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and croutons. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring every leaf is coated. Finish by garnishing with shaved Parmesan and toasted pine nuts. Enjoy your beautiful creation!

Notes

  • Quality Ingredients Count: Don’t skimp on your olive oil or cheese. Choose high-quality brands to elevate the flavors.
  • Customize Your Greens: If you want to switch things up, mix in different greens like kale or spinach for an interesting twist.
  • Love Garlic: If you're a garlic lover, consider adding roasted garlic to your dressing for a deeper flavor.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the dressing and croutons in advance. Store separately and toss when ready to serve.
  • Crunch Factor: For extra crunch, consider adding sliced radishes or snap peas into the mix.