The Caesar salad is a timeless dish that perfectly blends crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and a sprinkle of sharp parmesan cheese. It’s a staple in many households and restaurants, loved for its simple ingredients and rich, tangy flavor. Here’s how to make a traditional Caesar salad from scratch:
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 large head of Romaine lettuce (or 2 smaller hearts), washed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
For the Dressing:
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3-4 pieces of anchovy fillets (optional, but traditional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large egg yolk (or use 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise if you prefer a no-raw-egg version)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, anchovy fillets, and Dijon mustard. Use a fork to mash the anchovy fillets into a paste with the garlic and mustard.
- Add the lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce, whisking to combine.
- Gradually whisk in the egg yolk until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk until the dressing is creamy and emulsified.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Assemble the Salad:
- Place the torn Romaine lettuce in a large salad bowl. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the lettuce, and toss gently to coat all the leaves.
- Add the croutons and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss again lightly to combine.
3. Serve:
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top of the salad. For an extra touch, you can shave additional Parmesan over the salad using a vegetable peeler.
- Serve immediately while the lettuce is crisp.
Optional Tips:
- Homemade Croutons: Make your own croutons by tossing cubed bread in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then baking until golden and crisp.
- Anchovy Paste Alternative: If anchovy fillets aren’t your thing, a teaspoon of anchovy paste works well in the dressing.
This classic Caesar salad recipe is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish to complement your main course. The key to a great Caesar salad is balancing the creamy dressing with fresh, crisp lettuce and rich parmesan flavors. Enjoy your salad-making experience and savor the tangy, savory delight of this timeless recipe!