Caesar Salad Recipe

Roast beets

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim beet tops, scrub, and wrap each beet loosely in foil with a drizzle of olive oil (about 1 tsp total) and a pinch of salt. Place on a baking sheet and roast 45–60 minutes until tender when pierced with a knife. Let cool, unwrap, peel with a knife or rub with a towel, and cut into 1/2-inch wedges.

While beets roast, wash and thoroughly dry the mixed greens; store in the refrigerator until ready to assemble to keep crisp.

Halve the grapes and crumble the goat cheese into small pieces.

To assemble: in a large bowl, combine the mixed greens (6 cups), roasted beet wedges, and halved grapes. Toss gently with enough honey vinaigrette to lightly coat (about 3–4 tablespoons). Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and candied walnuts on top.

Line a small baking sheet or plate with parchment paper. In a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat, add the walnut halves, sugar (2 tbsp), and butter (1 tsp). Stir continuously as the sugar melts and coats the walnuts, 3–4 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning; reduce heat if sugar starts to smoke.

Once the sugar has melted and walnuts are glossy and coated, quickly spread them onto the prepared parchment in a single layer and sprinkle with a pinch of fine sea salt. Let cool completely (about 10 minutes) so they harden. Break into smaller pieces if needed.

In a small bowl or jar, combine Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (2 tbsp), honey (1 tbsp), Dijon mustard (1 tsp), red wine vinegar (1 tbsp), lemon juice (1 tsp), minced garlic (1 clove), salt (1 tsp), and black pepper (1 tsp). Whisk or shake to combine.

While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil (3 tbsp) to emulsify the dressing until smooth and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning — add a little more honey if you prefer sweeter, or more vinegar/lemon if you want brighter acidity.

Store dressing in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature and whisk before using if it firms up.