Classic Caesar Salad Recipe
Make Classic Caesar Salad Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Salad
Dressing
Optional garnish / add-ins
Method
Salad
- 1
Prepare lettuce
Remove outer leaves if wilted. Cut the romaine heads crosswise into 1- to 2-inch pieces (or tear by hand). Rinse thoroughly under cold water, then spin dry in a salad spinner or pat dry with clean kitchen towels until leaves are crisp and mostly dry.
- 2
Place the dried romaine in a large mixing bowl. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of the grated Parmesan and the croutons; toss lightly to combine, but reserve tossing with dressing until dressing is ready.
- 3
If using grilled chicken, arrange sliced chicken on top or toss with the dressed lettuce just before serving.
Dressing
- 4
Combine aromatics
In a medium bowl or small food processor, mash or blend the minced garlic with the chopped anchovy fillets and a pinch of kosher salt to form a paste. This helps the anchovy dissolve and distribute flavor evenly.
- 5
Emulsify dressing
Add the mayonnaise (or egg yolk), lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard to the garlic-anchovy paste. Whisk until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking vigorously to create an emulsion. If using a food processor or blender, run it on low and drizzle the oil in slowly until fully combined and slightly thickened.
- 6
Season the dressing with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste) and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust acidity with more lemon juice or salt as desired. If the dressing is too thick, whisk in 1 to 2 teaspoons of warm water to loosen.
- 7
Stir in remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons grated Parmesan into the dressing for extra nuttiness and body.
Assemble & serve
- 8
Pour about half of the dressing over the romaine and croutons in the large bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly with tongs or salad servers until leaves are evenly coated. Add more dressing as needed (you may not need all of it).
- 9
Plate the salad on a large platter or individual plates. Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan over the top and finish with a few grinds of black pepper. Serve immediately so the croutons remain crunchy.
- 10
If desired, garnish with sliced grilled chicken for a Caesar salad entree.