Description
A classic Caesar salad featuring crisp Romaine lettuce, tangy Caesar dressing, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons. This salad can be customized with grilled chicken for added protein, making it a versatile and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- Romaine Lettuce: 2-3 heads, washed and chopped
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated
- Caesar Dressing: 1 cup, homemade or store-bought
- Grilled Chicken (optional): 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- Croutons (optional): 1 cup, homemade or store-bought
- Anchovies (optional): 4-5 fillets, for garnish
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup, for making dressing or grilling chicken
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Egg Yolks: 2, for making dressing
- Black Pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Wash and Chop the Romaine Lettuce:
- Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt.
- Pat dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner to ensure they are completely dry.
- Chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Grate the Parmesan Cheese:
- Use a fine grater to grate the Parmesan cheese. Measure out about 1/2 cup and set aside.
- Prepare the Caesar Dressing:
- In a bowl, whisk together 2 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
- Gradually add 1/4 cup of olive oil while continuously whisking until the dressing emulsifies and thickens.
- Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and season with black pepper to taste. Optionally, blend in 2-3 anchovy fillets for an extra depth of flavor.
- Toss Lettuce with Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped Romaine lettuce.
- Pour the prepared Caesar dressing over the lettuce and toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
- Add Cheese and Croutons:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the dressed lettuce.
- Add 1 cup of croutons and gently toss to distribute the cheese and croutons evenly.
- Optional: Top with Grilled Chicken or Anchovies:
- If desired, top with sliced grilled chicken or garnish with anchovy fillets.
Notes
- For a healthier version, consider using Greek yogurt in place of egg yolks in the dressing.
- Homemade croutons can be made by toasting bread cubes with olive oil and seasoning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for grilled chicken, optional)
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Calories: 200
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg