Caesar Salad

Ingredients

While the original American Caesar Salad is known for its anchovy-based dressing, we have adapted it to Croatian cuisine by replacing anchovies with a combination of olives and capers. This gives the salad a unique Mediterranean flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the fresh ingredients. 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 (235 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup (235 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (235 ml) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced 1 cup (235 ml) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) capers 1/2 cup (120 ml) capers
• 1 cup (235 ml) croutons 1 cup (235 ml) croutons
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• For the dressing: For the dressing:
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (Sugar: 2g)
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large salad bowl, combine the torn romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, capers, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
4. 4.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Romaine lettuce — Make sure to wash and dry the lettuce thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
• Kalamata olives — Look for high-quality olives packed in brine for the best flavor.
• Capers — Rinse the capers under cold water to remove excess saltiness before using.
• Croutons — You can make your own croutons by cubing stale bread and toasting them in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and herbs.
• Parmesan cheese — For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a Croatian touch, you can sprinkle some dried oregano or Mediterranean herbs over the salad.
• For a heartier meal, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad.
• If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the dressing mixture.
• Feel free to customize the salad by adding other Mediterranean ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
• To make the croutons extra crispy, toss them with a little olive oil and bake them in the oven until golden brown.

Serving advice

Serve the Mediterranean Twist Caesar Salad as a refreshing appetizer or as a light lunch. It pairs well with a crusty baguette or garlic bread.

Presentation advice

Arrange the salad on a large platter or individual plates, making sure to evenly distribute the ingredients. Garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a few whole Kalamata olives for an elegant touch.