Bosnian-Style Caesar Salad

Ingredients

While the original Caesar Salad is known for its creamy dressing and croutons, the Bosnian-style Caesar Salad incorporates local ingredients and flavors. We substitute the traditional Caesar dressing with a tangy yogurt-based dressing, and instead of croutons, we use toasted pita bread for a Bosnian twist. The addition of Balkan cheese and roasted red peppers adds a delightful depth of flavor to this adaptation. We alse have the original recipe for Caesar Salad, so you can check it out.

• 2 heads of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces 2 heads of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (240 ml) Balkan yogurt 1 cup (240 ml) Balkan yogurt
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup (75 g) roasted red peppers, sliced 1/2 cup (75 g) roasted red peppers, sliced
• 1/4 cup (30 g) grated Balkan cheese 1/4 cup (30 g) grated Balkan cheese
• 2 pita breads, toasted and cut into triangles 2 pita breads, toasted and cut into triangles

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 5g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the Balkan yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
2. 2.
   Place the torn romaine lettuce in a large salad bowl.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the lettuce and toss until well coated.
4. 4.
   Add the cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and grated Balkan cheese to the bowl and gently toss to combine.
5. 5.
   Arrange the toasted pita bread triangles on top of the salad.
6. 6.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Balkan yogurt — Use full-fat Balkan yogurt for a creamy and tangy dressing.
• Roasted red peppers — You can roast your own red peppers or use store-bought roasted red peppers for convenience.
• Pita bread — Toast the pita bread until crispy to add a delightful crunch to the salad.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, sprinkle some dried oregano or sumac on top of the salad.
• If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic in the dressing.
• Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier meal.
• To make it more traditional, you can add anchovies or anchovy paste to the dressing.
• If you can't find Balkan cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese.

Serving advice

Serve the Bosnian-Style Caesar Salad as a refreshing appetizer or as a light lunch. It pairs well with grilled meats or as a side dish to Bosnian main courses.

Presentation advice

Present the salad in a large salad bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the ingredients to shine through. Garnish with a sprinkle of grated Balkan cheese and a few fresh parsley leaves for an extra touch of elegance.