Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 2 heads of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
- 1 cup of homemade or store-bought croutons
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon for added protein
- For the Homemade Caesar Dressing:
- 2-3 anchovy fillets (or 1 tsp anchovy paste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or ½ cup mayonnaise + ½ cup Greek yogurt for lighter version)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1-2 tbsp grated Parmesan for extra richness
Instructions
- Prepare Croutons: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss cubed bread with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake 8–10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, mash the anchovies and garlic into a paste using a fork. Whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Gradually whisk in mayonnaise, then olive oil until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Assemble the Salad: Place chopped romaine in a large salad bowl. Add croutons and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently until everything is coated evenly.