Caesar Salad Recipe
Romaine, shredded Parmesan cheese, croutons and caesar dressing.
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Ingredients
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Salad
Caesar dressing
Method
Salad
Prepare lettuce
Remove any wilted outer leaves from the romaine. Cut off the root end and rinse each head under cold running water. Shake off excess water and spin the leaves dry in a salad spinner or pat thoroughly with clean kitchen towels. Tear or chop the romaine into bite-size pieces (about 1–2 inch pieces). Transfer to a large salad bowl.
Season lettuce
Sprinkle the torn romaine with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4–1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; toss gently to distribute while you prepare the dressing.
Add toppings before serving
When ready to serve, add 1 cup croutons and 3 tablespoons shredded Parmesan to the dressed lettuce and toss gently so croutons stay slightly crisp and cheese is evenly distributed.
Caesar dressing
Mash anchovies and garlic
On a cutting board, sprinkle a little kosher salt over the chopped anchovy fillets and minced garlic. Using the flat side of a chef’s knife, press and scrape repeatedly to form a smooth paste (about 30 seconds).
Combine base ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, the anchovy-garlic paste, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce until smooth and homogeneous.
Finish dressing
Slowly whisk in 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil until emulsified. Whisk in 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning with up to 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional) and 1/2–1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper depending on preference.
Chill (optional)
If time allows, cover the dressing and refrigerate 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld. Bring back to cool room temperature before tossing with lettuce (about 5 minutes out of fridge).
Assembly & serving
Right before serving, spoon about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the dressing over the prepared romaine (start with less; you can always add more). Toss the lettuce gently but thoroughly to coat. Add croutons and the remaining shredded Parmesan; toss once more gently. Taste and adjust with additional dressing, salt, or freshly ground black pepper as desired. Serve immediately.
Serving suggestion: For a classic entrée portion, add grilled chicken breast slices (not included in ingredients) or serve with lemon wedges.