Caesar Salad

Caesar salad with a modern twist; this refreshing salad features crisp romaine lettuce, tangy Caesar dressing, crunchy croutons, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a starter or a light meal.

📝 Ingredients

• 2 medium heads of romaine lettuce (about 10 cups chopped into bite-sized pieces washed, and dried)
• 1 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups cubed day-old bread (French or Italian bread works well)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (or 2-3 anchovy fillets, minced)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- Step 1: Make the homemade croutons (optional) ---
2. 2Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. 3In a large bowl, toss the cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. 4Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Set aside to cool.
5. 5--- Step 2: Prepare the Caesar dressing ---
6. 6In a bowl or blender, combine the minced garlic, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, myonnaise,W orcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Mix or blend until well combined.
7. 7Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking or blending continuously to emulsify the dressing.
8. 8Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
9. 9--- Step 3: Assemble the Caesar salad ---
10. 10In a large salad bowl, add the torn romaine lettuce, croutons, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
11. 11Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad, starting with a small amount and adding more as needed. Toss the salad gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
12. 12--- Step 4: Serve the Caesar salad ---
13. 13Divide the Caesar salad among 4-6 serving plates or bowls. Top each serving with additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
14. 14Serve immediately, as a starter or side