Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing

Ingredients

• 2 heads of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces 2 heads of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (235ml) mayonnaise 1 cup (235ml) mayonnaise
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon anchovy paste 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups (120g) croutons 2 cups (120g) croutons

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 28g (total), 5g (saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (total), 2g (sugars)
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. 2.
   Add the torn romaine lettuce leaves to the bowl and toss gently to coat the leaves with the dressing.
3. 3.
   Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the salad and toss again.
4. 4.
   Add the croutons to the salad and toss once more.
5. 5.
   Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
6. 6.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Romaine lettuce — Make sure to thoroughly wash and dry the lettuce leaves before tearing them into bite-sized pieces to remove any dirt or grit.
• Anchovy paste — If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of anchovy paste or omit it altogether. Alternatively, you can substitute it with Worcestershire sauce for a vegetarian version.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this salad into a satisfying main course.
• To make homemade croutons, simply toss cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, and dried herbs, then bake in the oven until golden and crispy.
• For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing.
• If you're not a fan of anchovies, you can substitute them with capers for a similar tangy flavor.
• To add a touch of freshness, consider adding cherry tomatoes or avocado slices to the salad.

Serving advice

Serve the Caesar Salad as a refreshing appetizer or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood. It pairs well with a glass of chilled white wine.

Presentation advice

Arrange the salad on a large platter, ensuring the vibrant green lettuce leaves are visible. Sprinkle an extra dusting of grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper on top for an elegant touch.