Caesar Salad – The most famous of them all.

A classic salad made with romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing.

Here is what you need and how to do it:

Ingredients:

For the salad:

• 1 head of romaine lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: Anchovy fillets (2-4 fillets), chopped or mashed into a paste (traditional, but can be omitted if desired)

For the dressing:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the torn romaine lettuce, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss lightly to combine.
2. If using anchovy fillets, mash them into a paste using the back of a fork or chop them finely. Add the anchovy paste or chopped anchovies to the salad bowl. This step adds a depth of flavor, but it can be omitted if desired.
3. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
4. Slowly drizzle the olive oil into the dressing mixture while continuing to whisk. This emulsifies the dressing and helps it blend well.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
6. Toss the salad thoroughly to coat the lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese with the dressing. Ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
7. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
8. Serve the Caesar Salad immediately as a side dish or as a main course by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon on top.

This classic Caesar Salad recipe offers a delightful combination of crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, tangy Parmesan cheese, and a creamy dressing with a hint of garlic and lemon. It’s a versatile salad that can be enjoyed on its own or enhanced with additional protein or vegetables.