Caesar Salad Recipe

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss bread cubes with 2 tbs olive oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1/4 tsp salt until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake 10–12 minutes, tossing once, until golden and crisp. Remove and cool.

In a medium bowl or small food processor, combine 4 anchovy fillets, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Mash or pulse until anchovies are broken down.

Add 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 2 tbs olive oil. Whisk or pulse to emulsify into a smooth dressing.

Fold in 1/4 cup finely grated parmigiano reggiano, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper and 1/8 tsp salt. Taste and adjust lemon, salt or pepper as needed. Refrigerate if not using immediately.

Chicken

If adding chicken: butterfly or pound the breast to even thickness, season both sides with 1/8 tsp black pepper and 1/4 tsp salt. Heat 1 tbs olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook 4–5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.

Steak

If adding steak: season steak with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbs olive oil in a skillet or grill to high. Sear 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust time to preferred doneness). Rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly across the grain.

Grilled Shrimp

If adding shrimp: toss 8 large shrimp with a pinch of salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper and 1 tsp olive oil. Heat a skillet or grill pan to medium-high and cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until opaque and pink. Remove from heat.

Trim and rinse the romaine lettuce. Dry thoroughly and chop or tear into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large salad bowl.

Add 1/2 cup grated parmigiano reggiano to the lettuce and gently toss to combine.

Add 3/4 to 1/2 cup (adjust to taste) of the house Caesar dressing to the lettuce and toss until leaves are lightly but evenly coated. (Reserve extra dressing for service.)

Add the warm or cooled croutons and toss briefly so they stay crunchy.

Top with sliced cooked protein if using. Finish with an additional sprinkle of shaved or grated parmigiano and a squeeze of the remaining lemon half. Grind a bit of black pepper over the top and serve immediately.