Description
A classic Caesar Salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese tossed in a tangy and creamy homemade Caesar dressing with anchovy paste and garlic. Perfect for a quick, flavorful, and refreshing appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 head romaine lettuce (about 6 cups chopped)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
Dressing
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp anchovy paste
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep the Lettuce: Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Dry the leaves completely using a salad spinner or by patting them with paper towels to ensure the salad does not become watery.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the anchovy paste, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing into a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Toss the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, place the chopped romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the dressed salad to serving plates or a large serving bowl. Optionally, garnish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve promptly to enjoy the crispiness of the lettuce and croutons.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the anchovy paste or substitute with capers for a similar umami flavor.
- Use fresh, high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor impact.
- Make the dressing fresh and use immediately to preserve its bright flavors and creamy texture.
- Homemade croutons add a crunchy, fresh element but store-bought croutons are a convenient substitute.
- Adjust black pepper quantity to taste depending on spice preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
