Caesar Salad Recipe
Chopped Romaine Lettuce tossed with Shredded Parmesan Cheese, Croutons & Caesar Dressing.
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Ingredients
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Salad
Caesar Dressing
Method
Salad
- 1
Prep lettuce
Wash the romaine hearts under cold water, shake off excess, dry thoroughly (spin in a salad spinner or pat with towels). Chop into roughly 1–1.5 inch pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
- 2
Add cheese and croutons
Add 2 tablespoons of the shredded Parmesan cheese and the croutons to the chopped romaine. Reserve the remaining Parmesan for garnish.
- 3
Season
Lightly season the lettuce and croutons with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper. These amounts will be balanced after dressing is added.
Caesar Dressing
- 4
Combine base ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- 5
Add flavorings
Whisk in the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (or 2 mashed anchovy fillets), and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan. Continue whisking until the dressing is homogeneous.
- 6
Season dressing
Taste and season the dressing with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. If the dressing is too thick, whisk in up to 1 tablespoon water or more lemon juice, 1 teaspoon at a time, to reach desired pourable consistency.
- 7
Chill briefly (optional)
If time allows, refrigerate the dressing for 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld. Stir or whisk briefly before using.
Assemble & Serve
- 8
Dress the salad: Add 3–4 tablespoons of the dressing to the bowl with the lettuce, Parmesan and croutons. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat leaves. Taste and add more dressing (up to total ~1/2–3/4 cup) if desired.
- 9
Adjust seasoning: Taste the tossed salad and add additional salt and pepper if needed.
- 10
Plate and garnish: Divide the salad among 4 plates or serve family-style. Sprinkle the reserved 1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan over the top. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for optional brightening.