Description
Easy Caesar Salad
Ingredients
1 large head of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
1/2 cup croutons
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese or shaved Parmesan slices
Freshly cracked black pepper (optional)
For the Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust consistency with a little water if desired.
Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, toss chopped romaine lettuce with the dressing until well coated.
Top the salad: Add croutons and Parmesan slices or shavings on top. Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper for extra flavor.
Serve: Serve immediately as a side dish or light main course.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for a foolproof Caesar salad. Start by thoroughly washing and drying your romaine lettuce. Use a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels; this is crucial for the dressing to cling properly. For the dressing, ensure your garlic is finely minced to distribute flavor evenly. In your small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce first, whisking until smooth. Then, add the lemon juice and grated Parmesan, whisking vigorously to emulsify. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Only after the dressing is ready, place your dry lettuce in the large bowl. Add about three-quarters of the dressing and toss gently with tongs or your hands to coat every leaf. Add more dressing only if needed. Finally, top with croutons, Parmesan shavings, and a crack of black pepper just before serving to maintain texture.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile salad pairs beautifully with numerous dishes. For a classic bistro meal, serve alongside a juicy grilled steak or roasted chicken breast. It also makes a perfect starter before a pasta dish like fettuccine alfredo. To transform it into a hearty main course, top with grilled shrimp, sliced chicken, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost. For a brunch option, serve with a poached egg on top, allowing the yolk to create an extra-rich dressing.
How-to Summary
To make an Easy Caesar Salad: First, whisk mayonnaise, garlic, Dijon, Worcestershire, lemon juice, and Parmesan for the dressing. Season with salt and pepper. In a large bowl, toss washed and dried romaine lettuce with the dressing until coated. Finish by topping with croutons and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dressing ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld and intensify. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes and whisk again before using.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise? For a more traditional emulsion, you can use a pasteurized egg yolk. Alternatively, Greek yogurt makes a tangy, lighter substitute, though the texture will be different.
How do I prevent my salad from getting soggy? The key is to ensure your lettuce is completely dry before dressing it. Always dress the salad just moments before serving, and avoid adding the croutons until the very end so they stay crisp.
Is there a substitute for Worcestershire sauce? If you don’t have Worcestershire, you can use a dash of soy sauce mixed with a tiny bit of anchovy paste (for the classic umami) or a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan? While convenient, pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into the dressing. For the best flavor and texture, grate a block of Parmesan cheese yourself.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for a perfect salad: First, using wet lettuce, which will dilute the dressing and make the salad watery. Second, overdressing the leaves; start with less dressing and add more as needed. Third, adding croutons too early, causing them to become unpleasantly soft. Finally, using old, stale Parmesan cheese, which will lack the necessary sharp, nutty flavor essential to a true Caesar.
Conclusion
This Easy Caesar Salad recipe proves that a classic, restaurant-quality dish is entirely achievable at home with minimal effort and simple ingredients. By mastering the creamy, tangy dressing and following the key tips for preparation, you can create a consistently crisp and flavorful salad that far surpasses any store-bought version. It’s a reliable recipe perfect for a quick weeknight side or for impressing guests at a dinner party. Enjoy the process and the delicious results.