Caesar Salad

I still remember the first time I made a Caesar Salad from scratch and how the aroma of freshly toasted croutons filled my kitchen while the creamy dressing came together in a small bowl. The combination of crisp romaine leaves with salty Parmesan shavings and that tangy dressing made me wonder why I had ever bought bottled versions before.

Since then this Caesar Salad has been my go-to whenever I want something classic yet satisfying because it’s quick to prepare and pairs with almost any main dish. I love the balance of crunchy greens, rich dressing, and the golden croutons that soak up just enough flavor without losing their bite.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe and you can adjust it to your liking.

• Romaine lettuce – Crisp and sturdy base for the salad.
• Croutons – Crunchy texture and toasty flavor.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds sharp salty richness.
• Caesar dressing – Creamy tangy sauce that brings everything together.
• Black pepper – A touch of heat and aroma.
• Tools You’ll Need
• Large salad bowl – To toss everything together easily.
• Cutting board – For preparing the lettuce.
• Sharp knife – For clean cuts on lettuce and cheese.
• Small bowl – For mixing the dressing if making homemade.
• Whisk – To blend dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Salad tongs – For gentle tossing without bruising the lettuce.

Instructions

Step 1

I start by washing and drying the romaine lettuce then cutting it into bite-sized pieces and placing it in a large salad bowl.

Step 2

I prepare the croutons by toasting bread cubes with a drizzle of olive oil until golden and crisp.

Step 3

I shave Parmesan into thin pieces using a vegetable peeler for a delicate texture.

Step 4

If I’m making homemade dressing I whisk it together now otherwise I have my favorite store-bought Caesar dressing ready.

Step 5

I drizzle the dressing over the lettuce and toss gently to coat each leaf.

Step 6

I top the salad with croutons Parmesan shavings and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper before serving.

Tips

For extra flavor I sometimes add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a full meal. If you like a stronger garlic taste you can rub a cut clove over the croutons before baking them.

Ways to Serve

Caesar Salad is perfect as a starter for pasta dinners as a fresh side to grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Caesar Salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients ahead but toss with dressing just before serving to keep it crisp.

Can I use a different lettuce for Caesar Salad?

Yes although romaine is traditional you can use kale or a crisp lettuce mix.

Is Caesar Salad always made with anchovies?

Traditional recipes include them in the dressing for depth but you can skip them if you prefer.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this Caesar Salad and enjoy its crisp fresh flavors and creamy tangy dressing. It’s a timeless favorite that never disappoints.

Happy Cooking!

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