Starter Caesar Recipe

Prepare lettuce

Separate romaine into individual large leaves if presenting as starter leaves, or tear into bite-size pieces if serving plated. Pat thoroughly dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture so dressing clings and leaves stay crisp.

Crisp bacon

If bacon not pre-cooked, place bacon slices in a cold skillet, turn heat to medium, and cook until crisp (about 6–8 minutes), turning occasionally. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool, then chop into small bacon bits. Reserve.

Assemble salad

Place the prepared lettuce in a large bowl (or arrange leaves on individual plates for starters). Sprinkle croutons over the lettuce and add about 3/4 of the grated Parmesan and half of the bacon bits; reserve remaining Parmesan and bacon for garnish.

Finish and serve

Add dressing to the lettuce (start with about 2 tablespoons, then toss and add more to taste). Toss gently to coat leaves evenly. Divide onto starter plates if using a shared bowl. Top each portion with remaining Parmesan, reserved bacon bits, and a crack of freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately while leaves are crisp.

In a small bowl or jar, combine the minced garlic and finely minced anchovy fillets (or anchovy paste). Mash together with the back of a spoon or a fork to make a coarse paste — this mellows the garlic and dissolves the anchovies for a smooth umami base.

Add the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt to the garlic-anchovy paste. Whisk until smooth and homogeneous.

While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify the dressing. Once combined, stir in the 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan. Taste and adjust: add extra lemon juice for brightness, a pinch more salt if needed, or a bit more Worcestershire for depth.

If dressing is too thick, thin with 1–2 teaspoons of water to reach a spoonable consistency that will coat leaves. Refrigerate for 10 minutes if time allows to let flavors meld. Bring back to room temperature before tossing with lettuce.