Description
This homemade Caesar salad features fresh romaine, crispy garlic croutons, and a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing made from scratch. Packed with flavor, it’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (1 large lemon)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste (optional)
Homemade Garlic Croutons:
- 1/2 French baguette (about 12 ounces), cut into cubes (3/4 inch or preferred size)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Caesar Salad Ingredients:
- 8 cups Romaine hearts, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded or shaved parmesan cheese (or to taste)
- 2 cups homemade croutons
Instructions
- Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing:
- In a food processor or blender, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and parmesan cheese. Pulse until well combined.
- If the dressing is too thick, add a little milk or water to thin it to your desired consistency.
- Alternatively, whisk by hand in a bowl for a more rustic approach.
- Homemade Garlic Croutons:
- Preheat the oven to 375˚F. Cut the baguette into ¾ inch cubes or tear it into pieces of similar size.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil with minced garlic. Drizzle this garlic oil over the croutons and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
- Spread the croutons on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy, tossing halfway through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Caesar Salad:
- Rinse, dry, and chop or tear the romaine into bite-sized pieces.
- Place in a large serving bowl, then sprinkle with shredded or shaved parmesan and cooled croutons.
- Drizzle with homemade Caesar dressing and toss gently to coat the lettuce evenly.
Notes
- For a No Anchovy Caesar Salad Dressing, use ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup olive oil or avocado oil, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Croutons can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg